Go Back
–+ servings
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

The Crispy Chef
Bright, creamy, and ready in under 25 minutes, this One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner. With garlic, zesty lemon, and velvety ricotta, it delivers luxurious flavor with minimal effort and only one pot to clean!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot or deep skillet
  • Wooden Spoon or Tongs
  • Zester or Microplane
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
  • 3 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional)
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • extra lemon zest for garnish
  • crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add pasta, water (or broth), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cook until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 9–10 minutes.
  • Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Lower heat and stir in ricotta, butter, lemon zest, and a splash of pasta water. Toss to begin forming the sauce.
  • Add lemon juice and Parmesan. Stir until thickened and glossy. Adjust with more pasta water if needed.
  • Season to taste with salt, pepper, and optional honey. Garnish with fresh herbs, extra zest, and red pepper flakes. Serve warm with more Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For added protein, toss in cooked shrimp or grilled chicken. Stir in spinach or arugula at the end for extra greens. To keep the ricotta smooth, avoid high heat when combining it with the pasta. Finish with fresh basil, lemon zest, and extra Parmesan.

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 19gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 540mgPotassium: 280mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 210mgIron: 2mg
Keyword creamy pasta,, easy weeknight dinner, lemon ricotta pasta, one pot pasta
Tried this recipe?Mention @Thecrispycheff or tag #Thecrispychef!