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One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe

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A quick and creamy one-pot lemon ricotta pasta that combines zesty lemon, rich ricotta, and fresh herbs for a delightful and comforting meal ready in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound linguine (substitute spaghetti)

Cheese and Dairy

  • 1 cup full fat ricotta
  • 1 cup Parmesan (vegetarian, grated – substitute with vegan hard cheese)

Flavorings and Herbs

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
  • ½ cup lemon juice (approximately 3 fresh lemons, juiced)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for salting pasta water)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
  • ½ cup arugula leaves (packed)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Make Sauce: Turn off the heat and, in the same pot, combine ricotta, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well-combined. For an even creamier texture, you may use a food processor.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to the sauce and stir until smooth. Add the drained pasta to the pot and gently toss until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy lemon sauce. Add more pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
  4. Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta into bowls and spoon some sauce from the bottom of the pot over each serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and arugula leaves to add freshness and a peppery note to the dish.

Notes

  • Use spaghetti if linguine is unavailable.
  • For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan with a vegan hard cheese and use vegan ricotta alternatives.
  • Reserve pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta better.
  • Fresh lemon juice and zest are crucial for the vibrant lemon flavor; avoid bottled lemon juice for best results.
  • Adjust salt to taste, especially considering salted pasta water and cheese saltiness.

Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/one-pot-lemon-ricotta-pasta-recipe/