Minute Lemon Butter Ricotta Pasta

$To make Minute Lemon Butter Ricotta Pasta, you need a few simple ingredients. This dish shines with fresh flavors and creamy textures. Here’s what you will need: - Pasta type options: You can choose either 8 oz of fettuccine or spaghetti. Both work well. - Cheese options: Use 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese for creaminess. You can also add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. - Flavor enhancers: The zest and juice of 1 lemon give a bright taste. You will also need 1/4 cup of unsalted butter to create a rich sauce. These ingredients blend perfectly to create a quick and tasty meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the perfect pasta, you must cook it al dente. This means the pasta should be firm to the bite. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add your fettuccine or spaghetti. Follow the package instructions for timing. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. This water is starchy and helps thicken your sauce later. Now, let’s make the sauce. In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Watch it closely as it melts. You want it to foam but not burn. Once the butter is foamy, add the zest of one lemon. Sauté this mixture for about one minute until it smells great. Next, turn the heat to low and mix in 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese. Stir it well until it is creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, don’t worry. We will fix that soon. It’s time to combine the pasta and sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Now, pour in 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If you want a creamier sauce, add more pasta water a little at a time. Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Your Minute Lemon Butter Ricotta Pasta is almost ready to serve! To boost flavor in your Minute Lemon Butter Ricotta Pasta, try adding spices like black pepper or red pepper flakes. These spices add warmth and a little kick. You can also mix in some garlic for depth. Fresh herbs bring brightness, too. I love using fresh basil or parsley. They add color and a fresh taste. Just sprinkle them on top when serving. To change the creaminess of the sauce, adjust the pasta water. Start with half a cup and stir it in. If you want it creamier, add more water slowly. Balancing flavors is key. Make sure to taste as you go. Add salt to enhance the flavors, but don’t overdo it. The lemon juice adds brightness, so find the right mix between salt and lemon. This balance makes each bite delicious. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for fettuccine or spaghetti as they hold the creamy sauce well, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Perfect the Sauce Consistency: Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce's creaminess; add it gradually until you reach your desired texture. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh lemon juice and zest enhances the dish's brightness, making it more vibrant and flavorful. Garnish for Presentation: Don't skip the fresh herbs and extra lemon zest as they not only add color but also elevate the dish's overall taste. {{image_2}} You can make your Minute Lemon Butter Ricotta Pasta even better by adding veggies. Seasonal vegetables bring color and nutrition. Think about using: - Spinach - Cherry tomatoes - Peas - Zucchini Add these vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking. For example, toss in spinach just before the pasta is done. If you use cherry tomatoes, add them when you melt the butter. Cook them until they are soft. This way, they add flavor and freshness. If you want to add protein, chicken or shrimp are great choices. Cook the chicken in the same skillet before adding the butter. Cut it into small pieces for even cooking. For shrimp, add them right after the butter foams. They cook quickly and add flavor. If you're vegetarian, try chickpeas or white beans. They add protein and blend well with the sauce. Just stir them in when you mix the pasta and sauce. This makes your meal hearty and fulfilling. To store your Minute Lemon Butter Ricotta Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh longer. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, it may lose flavor and texture. Always check for any strange smells or colors before eating leftovers. When you reheat this pasta, do it gently. The best way is using a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir often to prevent sticking. If you want to boost the flavor, add more lemon juice or fresh herbs while reheating. This makes every bite taste fresh and bright! You can make this pasta in just 15 minutes. The prep time is about 5 minutes. Cooking the pasta takes around 10 minutes. This quick meal is perfect for busy days. Yes, you can use other cheeses if you like. Cream cheese or goat cheese work well as substitutes for ricotta. For Parmesan, try pecorino or nutritional yeast for a vegan twist. Each choice will add a unique flavor to your dish. Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook the pasta and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. It will last for up to three days. When you want to eat, just reheat and enjoy your tasty meal. This blog post walked you through making the perfect Minute Lemon Butter Ricotta Pasta. We covered ingredient options like pasta and cheese, step-by-step cooking, and tips for enhancing flavor. You learned how to adjust sauce consistency and incorporate proteins or veggies. In closing, this dish is quick, easy, and full of flavor. Try it out with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy a delightful meal tonight. Happy cooking!$

Minute Lemon Butter Ricotta Pasta

A quick and creamy pasta dish with lemon and ricotta cheese.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 3

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
0.5 cup ricotta cheese
0.25 cup unsalted butter
1 lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish fresh basil or parsley
for garnish extra lemon zest

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam. Add the lemon zest and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Reduce the heat to low and add the ricotta cheese to the skillet. Stir until creamy and well combined with the butter.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water (start with 1/2 cup and add more as needed for desired creaminess). Toss until the pasta is well coated with the ricotta sauce.
Stir in the lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Plate the pasta and garnish with additional lemon zest and fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Use fresh herbs for garnish to enhance flavor.

Keyword lemon, pasta, quick meal, ricotta