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–+ servings

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

This Lemon Ricotta Pasta is light, fresh, and deliciously creamy! Made with just 5 simple ingredients, it's delicious all on its own and makes the perfect base for any of your favorite proteins!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 427kcal
Author: Cathy Trochelman

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces dry angel hair pasta see notes below
  • 16 ounces ricotta cheese I used BelGioioso Ricotta con Latte
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water more to taste
  • 1 lemon zest & juice
  • 2 cups fresh baby arugula
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Garnishes: fresh basil red pepper flakes, salt & pepper

Instructions

  • In a large pot, cook the noodles al dente according to package instructions. Drain, being sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce. Pasta water can be saved in a small bowl or liquid measuring cup. Transfer the drained noodles back to the pan.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Whisk in 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water.
  • Add the arugula and sauce to the noodles in the pan. Heat on medium-low, stirring regularly, until pasta is fully coated and sauce is heated through. (*If sauce is too thick, slowly add additional pasta water to achieve desired consistency.)
  • Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh cracked pepper, fresh basil, and/or crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Enjoy as is or topped with your favorite proteins or veggies.

Notes

Recipe Variations

  • Use any type of pasta noodles (fettuccine, rigatoni, spaghetti, penne, cavatappi)
  • Substitute baby spinach or baby kale for the baby arugula
  • Add fresh basil or tarragon
  • Use vegetable or chicken broth in place of pasta water
  • Add additional seasonings as desired (I would suggest 1/2 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, or red pepper flakes)
  • Substitute crumbled feta for the Parmesan
  • Add 1 can of chopped artichoke hearts
  • Stir in additional grilled or sautéed veggies (mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes)
  • Top with your protein of choice (Blackened Salmon or Blackened Chicken are our favorites!)
*NOTE: Angel Hair Pasta typically comes in 16 ounce boxes, so you'll have to measure out approximately 3/4 of the box for this recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 427kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 808mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g