Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Recipe

ricotta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grana padano

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is often less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

fresh basil

🥗Healthier: spinach

💰Cheaper: dried basil

Dried basil is more shelf-stable and less expensive.

Boil water in a large pot and add salt.

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Stir in ricotta cheese and lemon juice, mixing until creamy.

Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Add a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce as needed.

Once pasta is cooked, reserve some pasta water and drain the rest.

Add drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to combine.

Stir in lemon zest and fresh spinach until wilted.

Serve topped with grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for added heat if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens