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 step, you can create a pasta dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

This dish is the perfect meal 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 pastas where the only ingredient that needs cooking is the pasta itself.

Preparing this sauce really 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, tortiglioni 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, in a large bowl combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, and lemon zest.

Using a whisk or fork, mix well until all ingredients are incorporated together.

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 cook 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.

• You can also add some crispy prosciutto or grilled chicken breasts to have some extra protein in your meal.
• Swap out the lemon for 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 perfect served as a main or side dish. 

You can serve this pasta as a main dish, preceded by a delicious appetizer bruschetta with zucchini and tomatoes, or if you prefer to serve a second course instead of an appetizer, I recommend a delicious chicken cutlet accompanied by an orange salad or simply fresh arugula salad.

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

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.

It’s not recommended to freeze this dish.

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?

Yes, 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, become 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 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 recipe:

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

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

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Pasta Alla Gricia, from Rome with love.