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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    One Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon

    January 2, 2023 by LaKita 20 Comments

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    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe
    finished pasta in large pan topped with parsley and grated Parmesan
    close up side view of finished pasta in pan topped with parsley and grated parmesan cheese

    This week, try making this One Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon for a simple pasta dish. It comes together in 15 minutes for a comforting pasta that is creamy with the perfect balance of rich ricotta and tangy lemon. 

    Craving more simple and delicious pasta recipes, then be sure to try making some Lemon Pasta Salad, Easy Tomato Basil Pasta, or the popular Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Pasta.

    overhead view of finished pasta in pan topped with parsley and parmesan cheese

    Making one pot pasta recipes is my jam. 

    They’re perfect for any night of the week when you’re short on time and can’t be bothered with a lot of post-cooking clean up. Especially this time of the year when things are busy. I also enjoy using simple ingredients when it comes to pasta dishes and this recipe is certainly no different. 

    The star ingredients of this lemon ricotta pasta recipe are of course pasta, ricotta, and lemon. It’s creamy and tangy at the same time without being overpowering. The perfect one pot recipe.

    Let’s get started!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients You'll Need
    • Step By Step Instructions
    • Variations
    • Recipes Tips & Tricks
    • Storage
    • Recipe
    • More Recipes You'll Love

    Ingredients You'll Need

    overhead view of ingredients needed to make pasta in separate bowls
    1. Pasta - Use any pasta that you prefer or have on hand. You can use spaghetti, fettuccine, rigatoni, bow tie, or fusilli. Since I had some penne on hand, that’s what I decided to go with. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water, according to the package instructions, and make sure to adjust the cooking time to keep the pasta al dente. 
    2. Ricotta - Be sure to go with whole milk ricotta cheese for this pasta recipe. It will give the sauce a rich, thick, and creamy texture that you just can’t get with part-skim milk ricotta. 
    3. Lemon - You’ll need the juice of the lemon as well as the zest to give the dish a tangy acidic and bright lemon flavors to help balance the ricotta. 
    4. Parmesan - Select a block of Parmesan that you’ll need to grate yourself for the best outcome. The package pre-grated cheese just doesn’t work the same in my opinion because it has added preservatives that keep it from melting completely. You may also use pecorino romano or pana gradano. 
    5. Shallot - Adds a slight sweetness to the sauce, you may use yellow onion instead or omit it if you prefer. 
    6. Garlic - Freshly minced garlic adds another layer to the sauce and helps to boost the overall profile of the pasta. 
    7. Olive Oil - Used to saute the shallot and garlic to begin layering the rest of the ingredients to make the sauce. 
    8. Salt, Ground Black Pepper, and Crushed Red Pepper (Chili Flakes) - Brings the ingredients of the pasta together and keeps them from tasting flat. Feel free to adjust the spice measurements to your preference. 

    See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

    Step By Step Instructions

    Begin the recipe by grabbing a large pot over medium-high heat and adding water and salt to cook the pasta. Add the pasta and cook al dente according to the package directions. Once done, drain the water off the pasta, but reserve at least a cup of the pasta water to add to the sauce. Set the cooked pasta aside in a separate large bowl.

    In the same large pot, begin making the lemon ricotta sauce by adding the olive oil and allowing it to heat thoroughly. Add the shallot and saute it for about a minute before adding the garlic and allowing it to cook for another minute. 

    Add the whole-milk ricotta, parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Stir to combine the ricotta mixture. 

    ingredients to make sauce for the pasta combined in large pan

    Add about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and stir continuously until the parmesan has melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked pasta and stir until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. If needed, add more pasta water for a smooth sauce that is your desired consistency. 

    cooked pasta added to pan with sauce

    Serve the pasta immediately while it’s still warm topped with some additional grated parmesan on top. Enjoy!

    pasta and sauce combined in large pan

    Variations

    • Along with the pasta water, add a handful of fresh baby spinach or peppery arugula. 
    • Before serving top with some cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or shrimp for added protein. Pair it with some garlic bread for an extra filling meal.
    • You may also use cooked chickpea pasta or gluten-free pasta as well. 
    • Substitute half of the ricotta for pesto instead by using ½ cup ricotta and ½ cup pesto. 

    Recipes Tips & Tricks

    • Cook the pasta in generously salted water and just long enough for the pasta to be al dente. 
    • Before serving, top the pasta with some fresh basil, grated parmesan, additional creamy ricotta cheese, and/or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
    • If you’re having problems with the texture of the sauce, try adding stirring in a tablespoon of heavy cream or whole milk to help. 
    • When making the sauce, be sure to stir continuously to get a smooth and creamy consistency. 

    Storage

    Store any leftover lemon ricotta pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply add it to a saucepan over medium heat, and add a little heavy cream, a splash of milk, or some broth or stock to loosen up the sauce and add a bit of flavor. If you’re short on time, then you may heat in the microwave instead. 

    Recipe

    close up side view of finished pasta in pan topped with parsley and grated parmesan cheese

    One Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon

    LaKita Anderson
    This week, try making this One Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon for a simple pasta dish. It comes together in 15 minutes for a comforting pasta that is creamy with the perfect balance of rich ricotta and tangy lemon. 
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 671 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 Large Stock Pot or Dutch Oven

    Ingredients
      

    • 16 ounces penne pasta, or any that you prefer
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 whole shallot, thinly sliced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 cup whole milk ricotta
    • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
    • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Begin the recipe by grabbing a large pot over medium-high heat and adding water and salt to cook the 16 ounces of penne pasta. Add the pasta and cook al dente according to the package directions.
    • Once done, drain the water off the pasta, but reserve at least 1 cup of the pasta water to add to the sauce. Set the cooked pasta aside in a separate large bowl.
    • In the same large pot, begin making the sauce by adding 1 tablespoon olive oil and allowing it to heat thoroughly. Add the 1 thinly sliced shallot and saute it for about a minute before adding the 2 cloves of minced garlic and allowing it to cook for another minute. 
    • Add 1 cup ricotta, 1 cup parmesan cheese, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper. Stir to combine the mixture. 
    • Add about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and stir continuously until the parmesan has melted and the sauce is smooth.
    • Add the cooked pasta and stir until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Add more pasta water as needed for a smooth sauce that is your desired consistency. 
    • Serve the pasta immediately while it’s still warm topped with some additional grated parmesan on top. Enjoy!
    • Store any leftover lemon ricotta pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    Notes

    • Cook the pasta in generously salted water and just long enough for the pasta to be al dente. 
    • Before serving, top the pasta with some fresh basil, grated parmesan, additional creamy ricotta cheese, and/or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
    • If you’re having problems with the texture of the sauce, try adding stirring in a tablespoon of heavy cream or whole milk to help. 
    • When making the sauce, be sure to stir continuously to get a smooth and creamy consistency. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 671kcalCarbohydrates: 92gProtein: 29gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 1080mgPotassium: 394mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 530IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 380mgIron: 2mg

    *All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.

    Keyword lemon ricotta pasta, one pot pasta with ricotta and lemon, pasta
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SimplyLaKita or tag #SimplyLakita
    serving of pasta in a bowl beside a fork

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    Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ideas and ways to enjoy this One-Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon Recipe? Please share them in the comments below!


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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Marta

      January 04, 2023 at 10:29 am

      5 stars
      I made this last night for our weekly meatless dinner and the family fell in love with it. I loved the contrast of lemon with the smooth, creamy ricotta. This is definitely a repeat recipe.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        January 04, 2023 at 10:59 am

        Thank you so much Marta! Happy to hear the pasta recipe was a success!!

        Reply
    2. Linda

      January 04, 2023 at 11:26 am

      5 stars
      Oh, this is so my kind of pasta dish! Cheesy, creamy, and easy to make, this pasta dish is a winner. I love the ricotta richness, and the tartness of the lemon along with the bite from the parmesan. I will def be making it again.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        January 04, 2023 at 7:25 pm

        Thank you Linda! Happy to hear that you enjoyed the pasta recipe!

        Reply
    3. Susan

      January 04, 2023 at 7:16 pm

      5 stars
      I love that I almost always have all the ingredients on hand to make this pasta dish! And it's so easy and delicious!!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        January 04, 2023 at 7:25 pm

        Thank you Susan, love it when you have all the ingredients to a recipe already!

        Reply
    4. megane

      January 05, 2023 at 6:09 pm

      5 stars
      Such simple ingredients and so much flavor. This is a new favorite for us!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        January 06, 2023 at 4:15 pm

        Thank you Megan! The ingredients are so simple 🙂

        Reply
    5. Kim

      January 07, 2023 at 10:06 am

      5 stars
      Delicious! The combination of lemon into the ricotta makes the pasta so rich and flavorful. I like to add fresh herbs like parsley and basil to brighten it up a bit and everyone always loves it!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        January 09, 2023 at 6:35 pm

        Thank you Kim, adding fresh herbs is a great idea!

        Reply
    6. Loreto and Nicoletta

      January 07, 2023 at 12:46 pm

      5 stars
      We love everything about this dish, ricotta lemon, garlic. It all sounds do yummy! This is a great family meal for a busy work week!
      Thanjs!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        January 09, 2023 at 6:35 pm

        Thank you so much, it really is the perfect busy family recipe!

        Reply
    7. Lauren

      January 07, 2023 at 1:07 pm

      5 stars
      I absolutely loved the combination of flavors in this recipe. The lemon and ricotta go so well together. This will definitely be on regular rotation!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        January 09, 2023 at 6:36 pm

        Thank you Lauren! I agree it is a great pairing.

        Reply
    8. Dennis

      January 08, 2023 at 7:01 am

      5 stars
      This was such a delicious pasta dish and so easy to make! My family really enjoyed this dish and asked when I would be making it again.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        January 09, 2023 at 6:36 pm

        Thank you so much Chef Dennis! So happy to hear you and your family enjoyed the recipe.

        Reply
    9. Amanda

      January 08, 2023 at 5:20 pm

      5 stars
      I just love this ricotta pasta! I'm a big sucker for anything with ricotta. It made for such a creamy sauce, and the pop of lemon added a nice kick.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        January 09, 2023 at 6:38 pm

        Thank you Amanda, I agree, love ricotta pasta 🙂

        Reply
    10. Katie Crenshaw

      January 08, 2023 at 5:56 pm

      5 stars
      I loved this rich, creamy, lemon sauce. It came out perfect. I definitely will be making this again.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        January 09, 2023 at 6:39 pm

        Thank you Katie! Happy to hear the recipe worked out well for you 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm LaKita, a food blogger living in Northwest/Panhandle Florida. I love creating and sharing recipes that are simple to make and comforting to eat. Follow me for more delicious recipes.

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