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Elegant Pasta with Ricotta and Parmesan Sauce

A delightful and creamy pasta dish featuring ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, brightened with lemon zest and juice, and customizable with fresh vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 oz Pasta noodles Use your preferred pasta type.
Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup Ricotta cheese Use at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese Grated, and also at room temperature.
  • 1 whole Lemon Zest and juice are both needed.
Optional Vegetables
  • Peas, asparagus, spinach, fresh arugula, or watercress Choose any combination to add freshness.

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. Boil the pasta noodles according to package directions, adding salt to the water for flavor.
Preparing Sauce
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine equal parts of ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese.
  2. Zest the lemon and add the zest to the cheese mixture.
  3. Squeeze the lemon juice into the bowl as well and mix until creamy.
  4. If desired, toss in optional vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking the pasta.
Combining and Serving
  1. Once pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, retaining some pasta water.
  2. Combine the hot pasta with the cheese sauce immediately. The heat will melt the cheese and coat the pasta.
  3. Stir in fresh arugula or watercress just before serving for extra freshness.
  4. Serve on warm plates, garnished with extra Parmesan and lemon zest if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, use high-quality cheeses. Experiment with herbs or spices to enhance the taste. Adjust the sauce consistency using reserved pasta water if necessary.