If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve come across the viral Lemon Ricotta Pasta. This dish is trending for good reason: it’s light, creamy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Even better, it comes together in just 25 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. At Savory Planet, we love recipes that combine authenticity with modern flair, and this pasta checks every box.
If you love creamy comfort dinners that are easy to make, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo — a one-pot meal packed with bold flavor.
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Why Lemon Ricotta Pasta is special
Italian cuisine is known for simplicity, using only a handful of quality ingredients to create something extraordinary. Here, ricotta brings creaminess, lemon adds brightness, and Parmesan balances everything with a nutty depth. The result? A dish that feels indulgent yet refreshing.
Unlike heavy cream-based sauces, the ricotta keeps this pasta light but satisfying. It’s a fantastic choice for spring and summer evenings, or any time you crave a fresh twist on a classic pasta.
Ingredients explained
- Spaghetti (400 g): Classic base, but linguine or fettuccine also work beautifully.
- Ricotta cheese (250 g): Whole milk ricotta is essential for creaminess.
- Lemons (2): Both juice and zest are used for maximum citrus punch.
- Parmesan (60 g): Brings salty, nutty flavor that ties everything together.
- Garlic & olive oil: Aromatic backbone of most Italian pasta sauces.
- Basil: Adds fragrance and color at the end.
This balance of creamy, zesty, and savory makes the dish so addictive.
For another lemony, creamy dinner idea, try Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chicken — bright, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Tips & Variations
- Add veggies: sautéed spinach, roasted asparagus, or green peas complement the lemon beautifully.
- Make it hearty: top with grilled chicken breast or pan-seared shrimp.
- Go spicy: a pinch of red pepper flakes gives the dish a little kick.
- Vegan twist: replace ricotta with cashew ricotta and skip Parmesan, using nutritional yeast instead.
Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta – Fresh & Easy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, scoop out about 80 ml of pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta.
- Prepare the ricotta sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the hot pasta directly to the bowl with the ricotta sauce. Pour in a little reserved pasta water and toss well, adding more water as needed until the sauce is silky and coats the pasta evenly.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use whole-milk ricotta for the best creamy texture.
- Substitute spaghetti with linguine or fettuccine if preferred.
- For more flavor, add sautéed spinach, peas, or grilled asparagus.
- Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but reheat gently with a splash of water to keep the sauce smooth.
Storage & reheating
While best eaten fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or milk and warm gently over low heat. Avoid microwaving at high power, which can dry out the sauce.
If you’re craving more pasta comfort food, Spaghetti Carbonara is another rich and satisfying classic you’ll want to try next.
Final thoughts
This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta proves that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. It’s fresh, quick, and elegant enough to serve at a dinner party, yet easy enough for a Tuesday night. No wonder it went viral—one taste and you’ll understand why!
Ricotta is a traditional Italian whey cheese used in both sweet and savory dishes, with its background documented on Wikipedia.
- 🥣 Large Glass or Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl
- 🧀 Fine Grater / Microplane for Lemon Zest
- 🍋 Manual Citrus Juicer
- 🍲 Large Pasta Pot (4–5 L)
- 🍴 Stainless Steel Tongs or Slotted Spoon
