One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

4.72 from 50 votes

One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

This easy one-pot pasta with ricotta and lemon makes a quick weeknight meal ready in only 20 minutes from preparation to serving. It uses a simple list of 6 ingredients and is a family favorite on busy nights.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Diet: Vegetarian

Keyword: 30 minute dinner, easy, one pot meal

Servings:

Calories: 561kcal

Author: Kristina Tipps

Equipment

Ingredients

12 oz fettuccine or other pasta shape
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
3 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves minced garlic or roasted garlic
3 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving at least 1 cup of the water. The starchy water will help bind the ricotta sauce and keep it creamy.
While the pasta cooks, mix the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl.
After draining the pasta, add the olive oil to the pot and cook the minced garlic for about 1 minute over medium heat (skip if using roasted garlic). Turn off the heat, add in the ricotta and parmesan cheese mixture, and ½ cup of reserved pasta water. Whisk until smooth, adding more reserved water as needed.
Add the cooked pasta back to the pot with the sauce and toss to thoroughly coat. Serve warm, topped with parsley.

Notes

Tip 1: This recipe is easiest when using roasted garlic, as you don't need to take the extra step of sautéing raw garlic.

Tip 2: When leftovers are stored, the sauce will separate slightly. When reheating, mix in a little water so it will become creamier again.

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Reheating: Warm in the microwave in 60 second increments, stirring between each, until heated through. When stored and reheated, some of the creamy texture will be lost, but if you add a small amount of warm water, you can make it creamier again.

Nutrition