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Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Peas

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A quick and easy pasta dish featuring zesty lemon, creamy ricotta cheese, and sweet peas, perfect for a light yet indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
  • 1 cup (250 g) whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas, thawed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Handful of fresh basil or mint, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes depending on the shape. Reserve ¾ cup (180 ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add 1 cup thawed frozen peas to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and bright green.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Add lemon zest and juice to the skillet and stir to combine.
  5. Add 1 cup ricotta cheese and about half the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until ricotta is warmed through and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently, adding more reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired creamy consistency.
  7. Stir in ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or mint if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve immediately, drizzling extra olive oil on top and sprinkling with extra Parmesan and lemon zest.

Notes

Keep the heat low when mixing ricotta to prevent curdling. Gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve perfect sauce consistency. Avoid zesting the white pith of the lemon to prevent bitterness. Fresh herbs like basil or mint add a bright herbal note.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon ricotta pasta, creamy pasta, pasta with peas, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/creamy-lemon-ricotta-pasta-with-peas-easy-homemade-recipe/