One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

A Bright and Creamy Pasta Delight

If you’re on the hunt for a simple yet gourmet pasta dish, look no further than One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between buttery richness and zesty brightness, making it an ideal choice for everything from casual weeknight dinners to special family gatherings. The joy of having minimal cleanup—just one pot—and the luxurious creaminess of ricotta combined with the fresh pop of lemon make this dish truly special. Believe me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Why not embrace a dish that brings together simplicity, flavor, and nourishing ingredients? One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta is not only quick to whip up but also budget-friendly and kid-approved. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing friends, this pasta will have everyone asking for seconds.

“This pasta dish is a game-changer! It’s easy to make and absolutely delicious. I love the freshness of the lemon paired with creamy ricotta—it’s a winner!” — A happy home cook

The Cooking Process Explained

Making One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta is as straightforward as it sounds. With just a few ingredients and one pot, you’re on your way to a delightful meal. This step-by-step overview will guide you through the process, ensuring you know exactly what to anticipate as you cook.

1. Start by heating olive oil in a large pot.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (just about a minute).
3. Pour in vegetable broth, lemon zest, and juice, then bring it all to a boil.
4. Stir in your preferred pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
5. In the last few minutes, toss in cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach.
6. Remove from heat, and stir in ricotta and Parmesan cheese.
7. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
8. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Gather These Items

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouth-watering dish:

• 12 oz of your preferred pasta (such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Feel free to make substitutions based on what you have. For example, if you’re out of spinach, you could toss in some kale instead!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now it’s time to cook! Here’s how to prepare your delightful pasta:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Pour in the vegetable broth, along with the lemon zest and juice, and bring to a boil.
4. Stir in the pasta, cooking according to package instructions until al dente.
5. In the last few minutes, add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach.
6. Once the pasta is cooked, take it off the heat and mix in the ricotta and Parmesan cheese.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving hot.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

While this One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta is delicious on its own, you can elevate the experience with some creative serving suggestions. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a light salad like Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad. Pair with a refreshing drink or a glass of crisp white wine to complement the lemony flavors. For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional Parmesan over the top before serving.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), storing and reheating is straightforward. Allow the pasta to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove with a splash of vegetable broth to prevent it from drying out.

For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Just remember to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!

Pro Chef Tips

To truly elevate this dish, consider a few helpful cooking tips. When adding the lemon juice, start with half; you can always add more if you crave extra tang. Using fresh, high-quality ricotta will enhance the creaminess of the dish significantly. Additionally, feel free to experiment with herbs—adding thyme or oregano can provide a lovely layer of flavor!

Creative Twists

Looking to add some flair to your pasta? Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

• Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to make it heartier.
• Go green: Add in other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or peas to increase the nutritional value.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or swap regular ricotta for a flavored variety like herbed ricotta.

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for this dish?
The prep time is about 10 minutes, and the cooking time is around 20 minutes, so you can have this ready in about half an hour!

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute whole grain or gluten-free pasta depending on your preferences.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth. Just ensure any added components are also vegetarian-friendly.

Conclusion

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a delightful dish that combines comfort and flavor with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for any occasion, providing a burst of fresh ingredients that your taste buds will love. For those looking for a more detailed experience, check out the One-Pot Pasta With Ricotta and Lemon Recipe (with Video) for additional tips and insights. Happy cooking!

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Enjoy a creamy and zesty pasta dish that is both simple to make and delicious, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Base

• 12 oz preferred pasta (such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli) Use your favorite type of pasta.
• 4 cups vegetable broth Vegetable broth keeps the dish vegetarian.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing garlic.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.

Flavorings and Add-ins

• 1 cup ricotta cheese Use fresh, high-quality ricotta for creaminess.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Adds freshness to the dish.
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves Can substitute with kale.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For added flavor.
• 1 each lemon, zest and juice Provides brightness to the dish.
• to taste salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
• for garnish fresh basil leaves Enhances presentation.

Method

 

Cooking the Pasta

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Pour in the vegetable broth, along with the lemon zest and juice, and bring to a boil.
4. Stir in the pasta, cooking according to package instructions until al dente.
5. In the last few minutes, add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach.
6. Once the pasta is cooked, take it off the heat and mix in the ricotta and Parmesan cheese.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving hot.

Notes

For additional flavor, consider adding protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp. This dish can also be served with a light salad and a glass of crisp white wine.