• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Sweet Caramel Sunday

  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer recipes
  • Quick and Easy
  • Family Favourites
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Contact Me
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer recipes
  • Quick and Easy
  • Family Favourites
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Pasta

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Published: Nov 10, 2020 by Adrianne

    • FB
    Jump to Recipe
    Lemon Ricotta Pasta with text over lay

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a creamy delicious spaghetti recipe that is SO EASY!!   This fuss free ricotta pasta has a simple lemon ricotta sauce with fresh basil (or spinach), parmesan cheese and pepper. 

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta on a white plate with fresh lemon slices

    Pasta recipes like the Garlic Spaghetti, Artichoke Spaghetti and Blue Cheese Mac and Cheese make easy vegetarian dinner recipes with flavour!

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta delivers citrus zing, creamy cheesy delicious and fresh basil for taste and texture!

    For Meatless Mondays, the Pesto Penne with walnut crumb or Creamy Mushroom Tagliatelle will tick ALL of your boxes! 

    What do you eat Ricotta Cheese with?

    Ricotta Cheese is a soft and mild cheese that is perfect for using in pasta sauces. It is a versatile ingredient that has a creamy texture. 

    Uses for ricotta cheese:

    • pasta sauce
    • lasagna filling
    • sausage roll filling
    • spinach and ricotta recipes
    • as a dip
    • spread for bruschetta
    • baked ricotta

    Does Ricotta Cheese Melt?

    Ricotta Cheese doesn't melt the same way other cheeses do which is why it is perfect to cook with! 

    We can bake or heat ricotta and it will lend itself to become a creamy delicious texture which stirs easily.  

    Ricotta is perfect as a pasta sauce as its consistency is thick and creamy! 

    Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti (or your favourite Pasta) ingredients

    The ingredients for this recipe are simple and easy to find at the local shops. They are set out in the photo below so you can see exactly what you need:

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta ingredients on a marble background with text over lay

    As you can see, we have:

    • spaghetti 
    • basil (or spinach)
    • ricotta cheese
    • olive oil 
    • garlic
    • parmesan cheese
    • lemon
    • salt
    • pepper

    Ricotta and spinach is a traditional and popular combination, but I find the basil and lemon pair well and suit this sauce perfectly! 

    How to make ricotta pasta with lemon and basil

    The photos below are the easy step by step instructions you need to bring this dish together: 

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta method 1 to 4 with text labels
    1. Use a grater to roughly grate the lemon rind (Photo 1)
    2. Cut the remaining lemon in half  (Photo 2)
    3. Add the lemon rind to the ricotta (Photo 3)
    4. Transfer the garlic to the ricotta mix (Photo 4)

    We combine all of our pasta sauce ingredients, stir them together and then heat till smooth and creamy! 

    Ricotta Pasta method 5 to 8 with text labels

    Using a grater instead of a zester will give you bigger more textured lemon rind (super delicious!!). I find some zesters leave the rind too moist and soft with no texture. 

    Ricotta pasta sauce with lemon and basil

    • Add cracked pepper to the ricotta mix (Photo 5)
    • Followed by salt  (Photo 6)
    • Squeeze the lemon into the pasta sauce mix (Photo 7)
    • Add olive oil (Photo 8)

    It is super simple to combine our pasta sauce ingredients and stir them together for a consistent texture. 

    Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti method 9 to 12 with text labels

    Ricotta pasta sauce with basil (or spinach)

    • Stir the pasta sauce ingredients to combine (Photo 9)
    • The sauce with be thick and creamy (Photo 10)
    • Add the sauce to the pan and bring to a low heat (Photo 11)
    • Stir, add basil and continue to combine (Photo 12)

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta recipe quick info:

    About the recipe:

    • there is 9 total ingredients for this recipe! 
    • make with your favourite type of pasta (spaghetti is mine!)
    • this recipe will feed 4 people
    • this is a vegetarian recipe
    • use fresh basil (or spinach leaves) not frozen

    FAQs about Ricotta Spaghetti with lemon

    1. this is a simple recipe that comes together easily
    2. the pasta water helps thin the ricotta and ensures enough liquid for the sauce
    3. the pasta sauce only needs heating for approx 3-4 mins
    4. the basil (or spinach) only needs cooking for 1-2 mins

    Your quick questions answered:

    1. I use a traditional cheese grater for chunky lemon rind
    2. you can use spinach leaves (or rocket) in place of the basil if you prefer
    3. the recipe takes approx 15 mins
    4. This is an EASY recipe
    Ricotta Pasta with lemon and basil on a white plate

    Expert tips:

    These tips are to help you master this recipe from the 1st time you make it:

    • cook the pasta till it is al dente! It will add another texture to the dish
    • use a standard grater for thick, chunky lemon rind
    • serve with lemon slices for extra lemony delicious drizzle! 
    • freeze this recipe for easy meals on week nights

    If you love simple and easy pasta sauces, try the Rocket and Cashew Pesto or Basil and Cashew Pesto stirred through your favourite pasta!! 

    Find us on Facebook right here! 

    The ricotta will melt like butter in your mouth and the creamy dreamy texture compliments the texture of the lemon rind and fresh basil leaves. You might also like to add parmesan cheese and cracked pepper! 

    Pasta recipes 

    Comfort food is pasta on a plate, here are some other ideas you will enjoy! 

    1. Smoked Salmon Spaghetti
    2. Instant Pot Penne Pasta
    3. Blue Cheese Mac and Cheese
    4. Ground Beef Casserole
    5. Tuna Pasta Bake
    6. Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese
    7. Rocket Pesto Pasta
    8. Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta
    9. Creamy Mushroom Tagliatelle
    Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti with fork on a white plate

    If you like your pasta with a kick of heat, the Garlic Spaghetti recipe, will have you coming back for more!!
    Creamy pasta - check! Zesty lemon - check! Fresh herby goodness - check! Get your fork ready my friends. 

    Adrianne x

    Want to be friends? You can SUBSCRIBE to receive the latest recipes, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram or Facebook.

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta on a white plate with fresh lemon

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta is an easy spaghetti recipe. This fuss free ricotta pasta has a simple lemon ricotta sauce with fresh basil and parmesan.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Australian, International
    Keyword: lemon ricotta pasta, lemon ricotta spaghetti
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 380kcal
    Author: Adrianne
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Skillet
    • Saucepan
    • Small mixing bowl
    • Wooden spoon

    Ingredients

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    • 250 grams dried spaghetti Note 1
    • 250 grams ricotta cheese Note 2
    • 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
    • 1 lemon juice and rind Note 3
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • parmesan cheese to serve
    • cracked pepper to serve

    Instructions

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    • Cook pasta in boiling, salted water according to package instructions
    • Use a hand held grater to roughly grate lemon rind
    • In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated lemon rind, minced garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil and juice from the lemon. Stir to combine and consistent texture
    • Add ricotta pasta sauce to a skillet and bring to a low heat, stir to heat through.
    • Once sauce is bubbling at the edges add basil leaves and stir through sauce (for 1-2 mins)
    • Drain pasta and reserve ½ cup of pasta water
    • Add cooked pasta to ricotta sauce and stir to combine. Pour in reserved ½ cup pf pasta water and stir until sauce has consistent texture.
    • Portion and plate. Garnish with fresh lemon, basil leaves, parmesan and cracked pepper.

    Video

    Notes

    • Note 1 My favourite pasta is spaghetti as I love getting my twirl on! Yet you can use your favourite. Be it fettucine, linguini, tagliatelle, penne, which ever pasta is your favourite! 
    • Note 2 You will find this in a tub in the fridge section of the store. You can get light or full fat ricotta, either will work well! 
    • Note 3 We use the rind (roughly grated) and juice of a whole lemon. Simply pick out any seeds or use a hand held juicer to quickly squeeze. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 380kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 348mg | Potassium: 242mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 384IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 153mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe? Share on Instagram!It makes my day when you make my recipes! Tag @sweetcaramelsunday

    Try these next...

    • Lamb Bolognese
    • Carbonara with Mushrooms and Bacon
    • Carbonara Macaroni
    • Baked Pasta Bolognese

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. beth sachs says

      November 10, 2020 at 11:05 am

      5 stars
      This is my kind of pasta dish. So light and refreshing. I love the lemony zing.

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        November 11, 2020 at 3:27 am

        Cheers Beth!! Appreciate the positive feedback.

    2. Ashley says

      November 10, 2020 at 11:47 am

      5 stars
      The gang's all there! All my favorite ingredients in one unbelievable dish! SOO good!

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        November 11, 2020 at 3:27 am

        Great to hear Ashley!! The gang, lol!!

    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome friends to
    Sweet Caramel Sunday,
    I'm Adrianne.

    Here you will find quick,
    easy and delicious recipes.

    More about me →

    Air Fryer Eats!

    • Air Fryer Onions (Air Fried Onions)
    • Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly
    • Nutella Puff Pastry (Nutella Pinwheels)
    • Air Fryer Beef Kabobs
    • Cheese and Tomato Pinwheels
    • Air Fryer Frozen Samosa
    • Air Fryer Spare Ribs
    • Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks (Cheese Sticks)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Still hungry?

    • Subscribe to join my friend!

    Contact

    • Contact

    © 2023 Sweet Caramel Sunday. All Rights Reserved.