Easy and Creamy Ricotta Pasta: Sicilian Recipe

Ricotta pasta is made with simple ingredients that come together to create a delicious and easy pasta recipe.

With just a few simple steps, you can create a pasta dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

This dish is perfect for those days when you want something light and satisfying but don’t feel like spending too much time in front of the stove.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Ingredients
• Step Instructions + Tips
• Variations
• FAQ’s
• Full Recipe Card (printable)

This simple yet delicious Sicilian pasta recipe combines creamy, fresh ricotta cheese with lemon zest and basil for a bright, summery flavor.

Why You Will Love This Pasta And Ricotta

This is one of the most delicious and simple pasta recipes to prepare.

My mom often prepared it on hot Sicilian days. 

I want to list my favorite things about this pasta.

Minimal effort recipe: It is one of the pasta where the only ingredient that needs cooking is the pasta itself.

Preparing this sauce takes a few minutes on the clock and is a no-cook sauce.

Fresh flavor: The combination of ricotta and lemon zest creates a super fresh-tasting creamy sauce.

Handful of ingredients needed: Only 6 ingredients are needed for this simple recipe, including salt and pepper. 

What Ingredients You Need For This Healthy Ricotta Pasta

Pasta: Choose the pasta shape you prefer, but I recommend something with grooves or twists to hold the ricotta sauce, such as fusilli, tortellini, or penne pasta.

Ricotta cheese: The main ingredient in this recipe.

Use fresh ricotta – low-fat ricotta cheese or whole-fat ricotta are fine.

Lemon: Fresh lemon zest brings a zingy brightness that balances the richness of the ricotta.

Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese gives a richer flavor to the dish; you may not put it in if you prefer, or you can rather use pecorino cheese. 

Fresh basil: This aromatic herb adds a pop of freshness and color.

Salt and pepper: To season.

How To Make Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Step 1 

Start by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted water.

Step 2 

While the pasta is cooking, combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, and lemon zest in a large bowl.

Mix well with a whisk or fork until all ingredients are incorporated.

A couple of minutes before the pasta is ready, add a little water from the pasta pot to the ricotta mixture to make it creamier.

Step 3 

When the pasta is al dente, drain it with the help of a pitted ladle (if you want to drain it with a colander, remember to save a cup of the starchy pasta water) and add it to the bowl with the cheese mixture.

​Add some basil, too.

Stir well so that the sauce coats the pasta well, and add a little of the pasta cooking water, if necessary, to thin the sauce.

Serve with a sprinkling of grated lemon zest and black pepper. 

Recipe Tips

• Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente. Drain it at least two minutes before the cooking time indicated on the package.
• Reserve enough pasta water to add to the sauce if it’s too thick.
• Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor.
• Use fresh, high-quality fresh ingredients.
• Always taste and adjust the sauce before serving.

Variations To Simple Ricotta Pasta

While this ricotta pasta is delicious on its own, you can also add other ingredients to customize the dish.

Here are a few variations to try:

• Add some cooked cherry tomatoes or tomato sauce and basil and chili flakes to the pasta for a fresh and summery flavor.
• Cook some fresh spinach until wilted and mix it with ricotta cheese.
• Sauté some mushrooms with garlic and mix them with ricotta cheese for a savory and earthy pasta dish.

• Add some crispy prosciutto or grilled chicken breasts to add extra protein to your meal.
• Swap out the lemon for an orange for a different flavor.
• Top with pistacchio, pine nuts, or toasted breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Have fun with the vegetables you like best. I think zucchini, broccoli, and even eggplant go great with ricotta cheese.

How To Serve Lemon Ricotta Pasta

This pasta is perfectly served as a main or side dish. 

You can serve this pasta as a main dish, preceded by a delicious appetizer like bruschetta with zucchini and tomatoes or ricotta crostini with roasted tomatoes.

If you prefer to serve a second course instead of an appetizer, I recommend a delicious chicken cutlet accompanied by an orange salad or fresh arugula salad.

Enjoy it with a nice and cool glass of white wine or rosè.

To finish your meal on a deliciously sweet note, I highly recommend enjoying a slice of this chocolate ricotta cake.

How To Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Gently reheat in the microwave, stirring frequently, until heated through.

You may need to add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the pasta.

Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding milk or water as needed to prevent sticking.

Freezing this dish is not recommended.

Faq’s 

What does ricotta cheese taste like?

Ricotta cheese tastes mildly sweet and creamy. It has a texture similar to cottage cheese curds but creamier.

Ricotta has a very subtle, nutty, buttery flavor from the whey protein in the milk. It’s not a very sharp or tangy cheese.

Can you heat ricotta cheese?

Yes, you can heat ricotta cheese, but it will become more liquid as it heats up.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in this recipe?

You can use dried herbs, but fresh herbs will provide a brighter flavor.

Does ricotta melt when cooked?

It will not melt like string cheese, but because of its high moisture content, it becomes runny when subjected to cooking heat.

Does ricotta curdle in a sauce?

It can happen. In this recipe, it is mixed with hot cooking water, which can give creaminess to the ricotta cheese.

Is ricotta cheese a healthy choice?

Yes, Ricotta cheese can be a healthy choice when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It’s a good source of protein, low-fat cheese, and high in calcium.

How do Italians use ricotta?

Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient in Italian cuisine and is used in a variety of dishes. It is commonly used in pasta dishes, such as stuffed shells and ravioli.

Ricotta is also used in desserts, such as cannoli, cheesecake, and ricotta pie.

Creamy Ricotta Pasta Recipe

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More easy pasta recipes:

Pasta with fresh tomatoes is a classic Italian dish that is simple and delicious.

Pasta alla nerano, features zucchini, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce.

Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca, is a super flavorful sauce thanks to the capers and olive.

Pasta Alla Gricia is a simple pasta from Rome.