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Lemon Ricotta Pasta

A delightful and refreshing pasta dish that combines the bright flavors of lemon with the creamy richness of ricotta, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or relaxed weekend lunch.
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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: 540
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • ½ lb fettuccine You can substitute with any pasta of your choice.
  • 1 tsp kosher salt For boiling pasta.
For the Sauce
  • 4 tbsp butter Use unsalted for better control over seasoning.
  • 2 tsp lemon zest Use fresh for the best flavor.
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice Freshly squeezed is recommended.
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese Whisk until smooth before serving.
  • ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese Plus more for topping.
  • to taste freshly cracked black pepper For seasoning.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of kosher salt.
  2. Add the fettuccine and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions indicate.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, heat a 12-inch stainless steel skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
  4. Let the butter cook until it becomes brown and fragrant.
  5. Stir in the lemon zest and cook for an additional few seconds.
Combining
  1. When the pasta has about 3 minutes left to cook, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. Carefully add the reserved pasta water to the skillet, keeping half a cup for later use.
  3. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
  4. Gradually stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and combined with the sauce.
  5. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  6. Stir in the lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Whisk the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt until smooth, then spread it on a large plate.
  8. Top with the pasta and garnish with extra lemon zest, parmesan, and black pepper.

Notes

For variations, consider adding sautéed garlic or fresh herbs. You can also add grilled chicken or roasted cherry tomatoes for a heartier meal.