Dinner

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

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This recipe is basically the cooking equivalent of finding money in your pocket – unexpectedly delightful and guaranteed to make your day better.

Picture this: creamy ricotta melting into perfectly al dente pappardelle while bright lemon zest dances with fresh garlic, creating an aroma that’ll have your neighbors suddenly finding reasons to drop by.

The genius here is that everything cooks together in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the fact that you just created restaurant-quality pasta without breaking a sweat.

Those sweet peas and peppery arugula add pops of color and texture that make each bite feel like a little celebration in your mouth.

Fresh mint brings an unexpected brightness that elevates this from “weeknight dinner” to “did you really make this yourself?” territory.

Warning: making this will result in people asking for the recipe, and you’ll have to resist the urge to act like it was way harder than it actually was.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Base

16 ounces pappardelle egg pasta, uncooked (or similar wide ribbon pasta)
1 /2 fresh lemon plus zest (reserve the other half for garnish)
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 teaspoons sea salt, more or less to taste
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, more or less to taste
4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

For the Creamy Sauce

1 /2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1 /3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
1 /2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

For the Fresh Additions

10 ounces steamed sweet peas
4 ounces fresh baby arugula
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

Instructions

Prepare the Base

1 In a large enameled pot or dutch oven, combine the 16 ounces uncooked pappardelle pasta, juice of half a lemon plus the zest, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 4 cups broth. Use a wooden spoon to stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. The pasta will seem crowded at first, but it will soften and settle as it cooks.
2 Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, which should take about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you see vigorous bubbling throughout the pot and steam rising consistently.

Cook the Pasta

3 Once boiling, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta reaches al dente texture. Check at the 10-minute mark by fishing out a piece with tongs – it should have a slight firmness when you bite into it, not mushy or hard in the center.
4 During cooking, resist the urge to lift the lid frequently, as this releases steam needed for proper pasta cooking. If you notice the liquid level getting too low, add 1/4 cup additional broth as needed.

Create the Creamy Sauce

5 Once the pasta is perfectly al dente, reduce heat to low and remove the lid. The pasta should have absorbed most of the liquid, leaving just enough for a silky sauce base. Immediately stir in the 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
6 Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. The residual heat will melt the cheeses and create a luxurious sauce that coats each strand of pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta cooking liquid.

Finish with Fresh Elements

7 Add the 10 ounces steamed peas, 4 ounces baby arugula, and 3 tablespoons fresh mint to the pot. Gently toss everything together using tongs for 30-60 seconds until the arugula just begins to wilt and the peas are heated through. The arugula should maintain some of its structure and bright green color.
8 Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated parmesan cheese, fresh lemon zest, and a pinch of crushed red pepper if desired.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Recommended Tools (for best results)

Large enameled dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot – Essential for even heat distribution and preventing the pasta from sticking. The wide surface area allows pasta to cook evenly without clumping together.
Wooden spoon or pasta fork – Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface, and the wood won’t conduct heat like metal utensils.
Microplane grater – Creates the finest lemon zest that distributes beautifully throughout the dish, plus perfect parmesan shavings for garnish.
Sharp chef’s knife – Makes quick work of mincing garlic and chopping fresh herbs without bruising delicate mint leaves.

Helpful Upgrades

Kitchen scale – For precise pasta measurements that ensure perfect sauce-to-pasta ratios every time, especially helpful when scaling the recipe up or down.
Immersion blender – While not necessary, a quick pulse can help create an ultra-smooth ricotta mixture if you prefer perfectly creamy sauce.

Nice-to-Have Options

Pasta serving bowls – Wide, shallow bowls show off this beautiful dish and keep the pasta warm longer during serving.
Tongs with silicone tips – Gentle on both your cookware and delicate pasta, making it easier to toss everything together without breaking the noodles.

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Substitute 16 ounces gluten-free pappardelle or wide rice noodles for the egg pasta
Reduce cooking time to 8-10 minutes as gluten-free pasta can become mushy quickly
Add 1 extra tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking
Check pasta texture frequently during the last few minutes of cooking

Dairy-Free Modifications

Replace ricotta with 1/2 cup cashew cream or dairy-free ricotta alternative
Swap heavy cream for 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (use the thick part from the top of the can)
Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese, starting with 1/4 cup and adjusting to taste
The sauce will be slightly less creamy but equally delicious

Vegan Version

Use vegetable broth exclusively and follow all dairy-free substitutions above
Choose egg-free pasta or use 16 ounces whole wheat or chickpea pasta
Add 2 tablespoons tahini to the sauce for extra richness and depth

Protein-Packed Variations

Stir in 1 cup cooked white beans or cannellini beans with the peas for extra protein and fiber
Add 8 ounces cooked chicken breast, diced, in the final step
Include 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts for healthy fats and crunch

Seasonal Flavor Variations

Spring version: Add asparagus tips and fresh dill instead of mint
Summer twist: Include cherry tomatoes and fresh basil
Fall adaptation: Stir in roasted butternut squash cubes and sage

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

This one-pot wonder delivers approximately 485 calories per serving when divided into six portions, making it a satisfying yet reasonable weeknight meal. The combination of complex carbohydrates from the pappardelle pasta provides sustained energy, while the ricotta and parmesan contribute 18 grams of protein per serving. The heavy cream adds richness but also provides 12 grams of fat, including beneficial saturated fats that help with nutrient absorption. With 4 ounces of arugula and 10 ounces of peas, each serving delivers approximately 6 grams of fiber and significant amounts of vitamins A, C, and K.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

The fresh arugula in this recipe is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with nitrates that support cardiovascular health and folate essential for cell division. Sweet peas provide plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin that support eye health. Fresh mint contains menthol compounds that aid digestion and provide natural antimicrobial properties. The lemon zest delivers vitamin C and citrus bioflavonoids that support immune function, while garlic provides allicin compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and heart-protective benefits. Ricotta cheese offers high-quality complete protein and calcium for bone health.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe contains gluten from wheat pasta, dairy from multiple cheese sources, and eggs from the pappardelle pasta. It’s naturally vegetarian and provides a good balance of macronutrients. Each serving contains approximately 65 grams of carbohydrates, making it suitable for active individuals or those following moderate-carb eating patterns.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Pappardelle pasta → Wide egg noodles, fettuccine, or tagliatelle work equally well (same cooking time)
Ricotta cheese → Mascarpone for extra richness, or cottage cheese blended smooth for lighter option
Heavy cream → Half-and-half plus 1 tablespoon butter for similar richness with fewer calories
Fresh mint → Fresh basil or parsley if mint isn’t available (use same amount)

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Fresh peas → Frozen peas work perfectly (no need to steam first, just add directly)
Baby arugula → Fresh spinach or mixed greens provide similar nutrition at lower cost
Pappardelle → Regular spaghetti or linguine costs less and tastes just as good
Fresh lemon → 2 tablespoons bottled lemon juice plus 1 teaspoon dried lemon zest

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Vegetable broth → 4 cups water plus 2 vegetable bouillon cubes or 2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon
Fresh garlic → 1 teaspoon garlic powder (add with the dry seasonings)
Fresh herbs → 1 tablespoon dried mint or Italian seasoning blend

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

When using frozen vegetables, add them in the last 2 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking
Store leftover fresh herbs in water like flowers to extend their life for future recipes
Grated parmesan freezes beautifully for up to 3 months – buy in bulk when on sale

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

Replace 8 ounces regular pasta with 8 ounces shirataki noodles or zucchini spirals to reduce carbs by approximately 75%
Use hearts of palm noodles as a low-carb pasta alternative that maintains similar texture
Increase vegetables to 6 ounces arugula and 12 ounces peas to add volume without significantly increasing carbs
Consider using chickpea or lentil pasta for higher protein and fiber, which helps stabilize blood sugar

Portion & Timing Tips:

Reduce serving size to 1 cup cooked pasta per person instead of 1.5 cups for standard servings
Estimated 45 grams net carbs per modified serving versus 65 grams in original recipe
Pair with a side salad dressed in olive oil and vinegar to add healthy fats that slow carb absorption
Serve as a side dish alongside 4 ounces grilled chicken or salmon for balanced macronutrients

Enhanced Fiber Strategy:

Add 1/2 cup white beans or cannellini beans for extra fiber and protein
Include 1 cup steamed broccoli florets with the other vegetables
The additional 8 grams fiber helps slow glucose absorption and increases satiety

Total Carb Reduction: Modified version contains approximately 35 grams net carbs per serving versus 58 grams in the original recipe.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the bright lemon and fresh herb flavors beautifully, while the wine’s acidity cuts through the creamy ricotta sauce. For beer lovers, a wheat beer or pilsner provides refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with fresh lemon or iced green tea with mint that echo the recipe’s fresh flavors. During cooler months, a light chamomile tea with honey makes a soothing post-dinner drink.

Side Dish Recommendations

Garlic bread or focaccia provides satisfying contrast to the creamy pasta, while Caesar salad adds crisp texture and complementary flavors. Roasted asparagus with lemon zest mirrors the pasta’s bright notes, and sautéed mushrooms with herbs add earthy depth. For lighter accompaniments, try caprese skewers with cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, or marinated olives that provide briny contrast to the creamy sauce.

Complete Meal Ideas

Start with bruschetta topped with ricotta and herbs to preview the main course flavors. Follow the pasta with lemon panna cotta or fresh berries with whipped cream for a cohesive citrus theme. For casual entertaining, serve family-style with antipasto platters featuring cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables that guests can enjoy while the pasta cooks.

Occasion Suggestions

This recipe shines for weeknight family dinners when you want something special without hours of prep work. It’s perfect for spring entertaining when fresh peas and herbs are at their peak, and elegant enough for date nights at home when you want to impress without stress.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques

Save 1 cup of the pasta cooking liquid before draining – the starchy, seasoned broth is liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency. Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as the pasta absorbs salt during cooking and may need a final boost. For restaurant-quality presentation, warm your serving bowls in a 200°F oven for 3 minutes before plating. The ricotta mixture should be at room temperature when added to prevent clumping – take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.

Common Mistake Prevention

Don’t let the pasta overcook during the final tossing stage – the residual heat will continue cooking it. If your sauce breaks or looks grainy, remove from heat immediately and whisk in 2 tablespoons cold butter to re-emulsify. Avoid adding the arugula too early, as it becomes slimy when overcooked – it should just barely wilt from the pasta’s heat.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight containers. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding 2-3 tablespoons broth or cream to restore the sauce consistency. The pasta will absorb liquid overnight, so expect to add moisture when reheating. Fresh herbs lose their brightness after storage, so garnish reheated portions with fresh mint or parsley.

Make-Ahead Strategy

Prep all ingredients up to 4 hours ahead – mince garlic, zest lemon, and measure out cheeses. The actual cooking happens so quickly that there’s no benefit to partial cooking ahead of time.

This one-pot lemon ricotta pasta proves that the best recipes are often the simplest ones – minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation. The combination of creamy cheese, bright citrus, and fresh vegetables creates a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for any night when you want to treat yourself to something special without the fuss.