Quick & Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe

Lemon ricotta pasta brings a zesty Mediterranean charm to your dinner table, reinventing simple ingredients into a culinary delight.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with bright, tangy notes that dance across your palate.

Delicate arugula adds a peppery whisper to this elegant dish, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Summer-inspired ingredients come together in a symphony of freshness and comfort.

Light yet satisfying, this recipe promises to elevate your weeknight meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each forkful tells a story of sunshine, herbs, and pure culinary joy.

Hungry diners will find themselves enchanted by this simple yet sophisticated combination.

Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula That’s Fresh, Creamy, and Zippy

• Zest Up Your Weeknight Dinner: This lemon ricotta pasta brings bright, tangy flavors that transform a simple meal into a restaurant-worthy experience with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
• Creamy Meets Peppery Perfection: The silky smooth ricotta sauce gets a peppery kick from fresh arugula, creating a delightful contrast of textures and a balanced flavor profile that keeps every bite interesting.
• Lightning-Fast Gourmet Meal: Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe proves you can whip up an impressive, restaurant-quality dish without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy professionals, tired parents, or anyone craving a quick culinary escape.

Ingredients That Balance Brightness in Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula

• Pasta: Classic base for the dish, choose a shape that holds sauce well like penne or fusilli.

• Ricotta, Parmesan: Creamy base for sauce, fresh ricotta provides smooth texture and mild flavor.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright citrus notes that lift the entire dish, use fresh lemons for best flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance overall taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick for those who enjoy heat.

• Arugula: Peppery green that adds freshness and slight bitterness to the pasta.
• Basil: Optional herb for additional aromatic garnish.

• Olive Oil: Smooth finishing touch that adds richness and helps blend flavors.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps create silky sauce consistency.

Cook and Toss Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula in Minutes

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in a large pot according to package instructions until perfectly tender. Save one cup of starchy pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir ingredients until smoothly blended.

Step 3: Smooth Out Sauce

Whisk in half cup of reserved pasta water until sauce reaches silky consistency.

Step 4: Coat Pasta

Add cooked pasta to sauce. Toss vigorously until noodles are completely covered. Add extra pasta water if sauce needs loosening.

Step 5: Add Fresh Greens

Gently fold arugula into pasta mixture until slightly wilted.

Step 6: Serve And Garnish

• Extra sauce from pan
• Drizzle of olive oil
• Additional Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Torn fresh basil leaves
• Lemon wedges on side

Tips for Creamy Sauce and Peppery Bite in Ricotta Pasta

• Zest with Precision: Carefully grate only the bright yellow part of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath for a pure, vibrant citrus flavor.
• Water Wisdom: Save the starchy pasta water as your secret sauce-smoothing weapon, helping create a silky, clingy texture that perfectly coats each noodle.
• Cheese Consistency: Use room temperature ricotta for smoother blending and ensure Parmesan is freshly grated for maximum melting and flavor intensity.
• Arugula Timing: Add arugula at the very last moment to maintain its crisp texture and bright green color, preventing wilting and preserving its peppery punch.
• Flavor Boosting: Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and optional red pepper flakes to elevate the dish's complexity and add a subtle kick.

Best Storage to Keep Lemon Ricotta Pasta Fresh for Later

• Refrigerate: Transfer pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or olive oil to restore creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Tip: Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make ricotta sauce grainy and separate.

Greens, Proteins, and Pairings for This Springy Pasta

• Pair With Crisp White Wine: Enjoy a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the bright, zesty lemon notes and cuts through the creamy ricotta sauce.
• Match With Fresh Salad Side: Create a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to mirror the pasta's fresh, peppery flavors and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic Italian bread or sourdough to soak up the delicious sauce, adding texture and allowing you to enjoy every last drop of the lemony ricotta.
• Finish With Light Dessert: End the meal with a refreshing lemon sorbet or a light panna cotta to continue the citrusy theme and provide a clean, palate-cleansing finale.

Twists to Change Up Your Lemon Ricotta Pasta Routine

• Herb Haven: Swap arugula with a vibrant mix of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and dill for a green burst of flavor.
• Spicy Mediterranean: Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Protein Power: Incorporate grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or crispy pancetta to transform the pasta into a more substantial main course.
• Roasted Veggie Boost: Toss in roasted cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers for extra depth and nutritional value, creating a colorful and hearty dish.

Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky lemon ricotta pasta dances with peppery arugula, creating a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of flavors. Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a light yet satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Cheese:

• 1 lb (454 grams) short pasta, like penne or rigatoni
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (100 grams) finely grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese, plus more for serving

Citrus and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) fresh lemon juice from 1 to 2 lemons
• 2 cups (60 grams) arugula
• Thinly sliced or torn basil leaves for serving (optional)

Seasonings and Garnishes:

• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Chili flakes for serving
• Olive oil for serving
• Extra lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Generously season with salt and cook the pasta until it reaches a tender yet firm texture, periodically stirring to prevent sticking. Carefully extract 1 cup of the starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta.
2. Return the empty pot to the stovetop or transition to a large skillet. Gently combine ricotta, finely grated Parmesan, fragrant lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season with a delicate sprinkle of salt and cracked black pepper.
3. Gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water, whisking thoroughly to create a silky, smooth sauce. The liquid will help transform the ricotta into a luxurious, creamy consistency.
4. Introduce the drained pasta into the sauce, using vigorous circular motions to ensure each strand is generously coated. If the mixture appears too thick, splash in additional pasta water to achieve a velvety texture.
5. Fold in the peppery arugula leaves, allowing them to gently wilt from the residual heat of the pasta and sauce.
6. Transfer the pasta to serving vessels, ensuring an even distribution of sauce. Embellish with a delicate drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, additional grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, torn fresh basil leaves, and accompanying lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrusy brightness.

Notes

• Pasta water is liquid gold for creating a silky, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle.
• Vigorously stirring the pasta helps emulsify the sauce, ensuring a smooth and luxurious coating.
• Fresh arugula adds a peppery bite and vibrant green color that elevates the entire dish.
• Adjust sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water for the ideal creamy texture.
• Finishing touches like extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and lemon wedges allow each diner to customize their plate.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its peak temperature and texture, preventing the sauce from becoming too thick.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg