Creamy Lemon Pasta

Get ready for the most luxurious 25-minute pasta you’ve ever twirled around your fork! This creamy lemon pasta is pure comfort food that somehow manages to taste both rich and refreshing at the same time.

The magic happens when velvety ricotta meets bright citrus and sharp Parmesan, creating a sauce that’s silky-smooth yet light enough to let you go back for seconds (which you definitely will). Each strand of pasta gets perfectly coated in this dreamy sauce that’s punctuated with fresh herbs and just the right amount of garlic.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces pasta, any shape
• 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup (8 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 1/3 cup (1.25 ounces) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1-2 lemons (for zest and juice)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley leaves
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 2 teaspoons salt. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions (8-12 minutes). Important: Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. For maximum creaminess, combine ricotta and Parmesan in a food processor. Zest 1 lemon and add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Blend until silky smooth (30-45 seconds).
3. Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not brown (30-60 seconds). Watch carefully as garlic can burn quickly.
4. Reduce heat to low and add the cheese mixture. Stir in 1/4 cup reserved pasta water until thoroughly combined. The sauce should be smooth but not too liquid.
5. Add drained pasta to the sauce and increase heat to medium-low. Toss continuously for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and coats pasta evenly. The pasta should look glossy and the sauce should cling to each strand.

Pro Tips:

• If sauce becomes too thick, add more pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time
• Test pasta doneness by taking a bite – it should have slight resistance
• For extra lemony flavor, add up to 1 tablespoon more juice

1. Serve immediately, topped with fresh herbs, additional Parmesan, and fresh cracked pepper. For best results, eat while hot as sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.