There's nothing quite like the bright, citrusy aroma of lemon mingling with creamy ricotta in a bowl of perfectly cooked pasta. This simple yet luxurious dish brings together fresh, wholesome ingredients to create a meal that's both comforting and refreshingly light.

I first made this recipe on a whim when I needed a quick dinner using pantry staples. One bite, and I knew it was a keeper. Now, it’s a go-to for busy weeknights or when I want something elegant without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Creamy lemon ricotta pasta is not just easy to make—it’s a total game-changer for busy cooks and pasta lovers alike.

First, it comes together in just 20 minutes. With a few simple steps and basic ingredients, you’ll have a gourmet meal on the table in no time.

It’s also budget-friendly. You likely already have pasta, ricotta, lemons, and garlic in your kitchen, making this dish a great choice for an affordable, last-minute dinner.

This pasta is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it as a main course, pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp, or serve it as a side dish alongside your favorite proteins.

Plus, it’s a lighter alternative to traditional cream-based pastas. The ricotta adds a luscious texture without the heaviness of heavy cream, making it perfect for those who love creamy pasta but want a fresher twist.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a key role in delivering that perfect balance of creaminess, brightness, and depth.

Pasta is the base of this recipe, and I recommend using spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine. These long pasta shapes beautifully hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is coated in flavor.

Ricotta cheese is the star ingredient, creating a velvety texture that melts beautifully into the pasta. Full-fat ricotta works best for the richest flavor, but part-skim ricotta can be used if you prefer a lighter version.

Lemon zest and juice add a fresh, citrusy brightness that balances the creaminess of the ricotta. Be sure to zest the lemon before juicing it for maximum flavor without bitterness.

Garlic gives the dish a subtle savory depth. Freshly minced garlic works best, but you can also use garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.

Parmesan cheese brings a salty, umami richness that ties everything together. A freshly grated wedge of Parmesan will elevate the dish far beyond pre-grated alternatives.

A final drizzle of olive oil enhances the smoothness of the sauce and adds a touch of richness. Opt for extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

How To Make This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Making this pasta is as easy as boiling water and stirring a few ingredients together. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Be sure to reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining—it’s the key to achieving the perfect sauce consistency.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce by combining ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, and Parmesan in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together until smooth, adjusting with a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the mixture.

Once the pasta is cooked, transfer it directly into the bowl with the ricotta mixture. Toss everything together vigorously, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve a silky, creamy coating.

Finish by drizzling in some extra-virgin olive oil and seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Toss again to ensure every strand is coated in the luscious sauce.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Storage Options

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so add a splash of warm water or a bit of olive oil when reheating to revive its creamy texture.

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving on high, as it may cause the ricotta to separate.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta to the pasta. The salty, savory contrast pairs beautifully with the creamy lemon sauce.

If you want a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter when tossing the pasta. This will create an even silkier finish.

For a touch of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when mixing the ricotta sauce. The slight heat complements the brightness of the lemon beautifully.

Gluten-free? Simply swap out the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Chickpea or lentil-based pasta options work particularly well with this dish.

No ricotta? You can substitute with cottage cheese blended until smooth, or even mascarpone for an ultra-luxurious version.

This creamy lemon ricotta pasta is a true gem—simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!