Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Name: Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 200g spaghetti or fettuccine; 250g ricotta cheese; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt, to taste; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Highlighted under: Home Healthy Meals Ideas

I absolutely adore making this Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta, especially for special occasions. The combination of creamy ricotta and zesty lemon creates a dish that feels both indulgent and refreshing. I love how quick it comes together, making it perfect for a cozy dinner date at home. The bright flavors transport me to a sunny Italian terrace with every bite. It's truly a celebration of simplicity and taste, and I can't wait to share the joy of this recipe with you!

Created by

Dorothy Finch

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:35:35.262Z

When I first attempted this Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta, I was amazed by how such a simple dish could deliver such rich flavors. I used fresh ingredients, which made all the difference—especially the zest of a lemon that elevates the creamy ricotta. It's easy for anyone to replicate, and I highly recommend using homemade pasta if you can, though store-bought works just fine. The key is to toss everything together while the pasta is still warm to meld all those beautiful flavors.

On one memorable night, I prepared this dish for my partner, adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a bit of heat. It turned our dinner into something magical. I find that serving it with a crisp white wine complements the lemon perfectly. It’s become a go-to dish in our home for any celebration or intimate dinner!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy ricotta enhanced with zesty lemon for a delightful balance
Quick and easy, yet elegant enough for special occasions
Perfectly pairs with a glass of chilled white wine

      

The Role of Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese is a cornerstone of this recipe, providing creaminess and a rich mouthfeel that elevates the dish. It's essential to choose a high-quality, fresh ricotta for the best flavor. The texture should be smooth and slightly grainy, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the pasta. If you can find it, a whole milk ricotta gives a more luxurious finish compared to part-skim varieties, ensuring the sauce is both rich and robust without being overly heavy.

To enhance the flavor profile, consider using lemon-infused ricotta if available. This substitution ties in beautifully with the zesty lemon juice, reinforcing the citrus notes throughout the dish. If you're avoiding dairy, a vegan ricotta made from blended cashews can also work, though the texture and taste will differ. Just make sure to add extra lemon zest to keep the bright flavor in balance.

Perfecting the Pasta

Cooking your pasta to al dente is critical for achieving the right texture. This means the pasta should be firm to the bite, usually requiring 1-2 minutes less cooking time than indicated on the package. Al dente pasta also helps absorb the sauce better, creating a more cohesive dish. Remember to taste it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time to determine if it's ready.

Reserving pasta water is a step often overlooked but incredibly valuable. This starchy water is key to adjusting the sauce's consistency; it can help achieve that glossy finish and ensure the sauce clings beautifully to the pasta. Add it gradually—start with a couple of tablespoons—until you reach your desired creaminess without diluting the flavor.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful pasta:

Ingredients

200g spaghetti or fettuccine
250g ricotta cheese
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until creamy and smooth.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the hot pasta to the bowl with the ricotta mixture. Gently toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.

Serve

Plate the pasta, sprinkle with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, and enjoy your Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta!

Pro Tips

For an added kick, consider incorporating a few red pepper flakes or sautéing some garlic in olive oil before mixing with the ricotta. This builds a deeper flavor base.

Serving Suggestions

This Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp, chilled white wine. A Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc enhances the dish's bright flavors and creates a lovely dining atmosphere. For a more robust meal, consider serving it alongside grilled shrimp or chicken, which complement the pasta without overpowering its delicate flavors.

To make the meal feel even more special, add a side salad with fresh greens, olives, and a light vinaigrette. The acidity of the vinaigrette balances the creaminess of the pasta, creating a harmonious meal experience. Don't forget to save a bit of basil for garnish on the salad, tying everything together beautifully.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare in advance, you can make the ricotta sauce up to a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before tossing with the freshly cooked pasta. However, keep in mind that the sauce may thicken, so you might need to adjust with some reserved pasta water when mixing.

For individuals seeking to enjoy this dish later, consider freezing the ricotta mixture without adding it to the pasta. It can be frozen for up to a month. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and combine with freshly cooked pasta for a quick meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape you prefer will work well in this recipe.

→ Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta is completely vegetarian.

→ Can the ricotta be substituted?

You can use mascarpone or cream cheese for a different texture and flavor, but ricotta is preferred for its lightness.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta, and ensure your ricotta is made in a gluten-free facility.