Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Name: Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 150g fresh spaghetti; 200g ricotta cheese; 1 lemon (zested and juiced); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving; Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Highlighted under: Simple Comfort Food Favorites

I’ve always believed that cooking can be a beautiful form of expression, and this Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta embodies that sentiment perfectly. The creamy ricotta combined with the refreshing burst of lemon creates a dish that feels bright, elegant, and utterly satisfying. I love serving it for a special dinner because it feels indulgent yet is simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. The best part? It’s ready in just 20 minutes, allowing us to enjoy a cozy evening without much fuss.

Created by

June Weatherby

Last updated on 2026-01-11T20:19:41.361Z

When I first tried making this dish, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could come together to create something so delightful. The lemon zest adds a vibrant aroma that transforms the pasta into a dish that is both comforting and refreshing. I recommend using fresh pasta if you can find it; it elevates the entire experience!

One thing I’ve learned is to be generous with the black pepper. It offsets the richness of the ricotta perfectly. Sometimes, I even add a handful of fresh arugula for extra flavor and crunch. Trust me, this pasta will impress anyone you share it with!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy ricotta with a zesty lemon kick
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for date night
Balanced flavors that work well for any occasion

The Charm of Lemon and Ricotta

Lemon zest and juice play a crucial role in this dish, providing a lively brightness that balances the creaminess of the ricotta. When you zest the lemon, aim for the bright yellow outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. This zest not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful speck of color to your pasta, making it visually appealing. The acidity from the lemon is essential, as it cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a harmonious flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds.

Ricotta cheese is key to achieving that silky smooth texture. Opt for fresh ricotta for the best results; it’s creamy and has a light, delicate flavor that complements the lemon. If you can’t find fresh ricotta, a good-quality store-bought option will work, but steer clear of low-fat versions, as they might lack the creaminess needed for this dish. For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture; it works beautifully with the lemon and cheese combination.

Perfecting Your Pasta Technique

Cooking the spaghetti just right is crucial for this dish. The key is to ensure it’s al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it. Overcooking will result in mushy pasta that won’t hold up well with the sauce. Keep a close eye on the cooking time, and start tasting the pasta a minute or two before the package instructions suggest. Once drained, tossing the hot pasta directly with the ricotta mixture helps the sauce adhere better and creates a creamy coating.

If you find your sauce too thick, don’t hesitate to use that reserved pasta water. Adding a splash at a time is the best way to achieve your desired creaminess without making the dish watery. The starchy water will help emulsify the sauce, giving it a glossy finish that’s visually appealing. Conversely, if your sauce becomes too thin, you can return the pasta to the heat briefly, allowing it to absorb some of the moisture and thicken up again.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients before you begin!

Ingredients

150g fresh spaghetti
200g ricotta cheese
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal!

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Combine

Add the hot pasta to the ricotta mixture, tossing well to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired creaminess.

Serve

Plate the pasta, garnishing with grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your romantic meal!

Enjoy the fresh flavors and creamy texture of your pasta!

Pro Tips

For added freshness, consider adding a handful of arugula before serving.

Serving Suggestions

For a lovely presentation, serve your Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta in elegant bowls. Top each serving with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which not only adds flavor but also a beautiful finish. You can also include a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving for an extra layer of richness. Consider pairing this dish with a light, crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, to complement the lemony notes and enhance the overall dining experience.

To elevate your romantic dinner even further, add a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. This will refresh the palate and add some crunch to your meal. For some extra sophistication, you could also prepare some garlic bread on the side, using a rustic loaf toasted with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. It’s a delightful way to soak up any remaining creamy sauce from your pasta.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, if you want to prep ahead, you can prepare the ricotta mixture in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you're ready to serve, cook the pasta as directed and combine it with the chilled ricotta mixture; it will come together beautifully. Simply warm it slightly before adding the pasta to avoid serving a cold dish.

If you're considering leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil in a pan over low heat, stirring gently to warm it up without drying it out. I recommend avoiding the microwave as it tends to make the pasta rubbery. A hit of fresh lemon juice just before serving can revive the bright flavors as well!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, though I recommend longer strands like spaghetti or fettuccine.

→ Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta is vegetarian-friendly!

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

While the pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ricotta mixture ahead of time and toss everything together just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for ricotta?

You can use cottage cheese or cream cheese for a different texture, but ricotta adds a lovely creaminess that's hard to replicate!