Description
Creamy and comforting, this Garlic Ricotta Pasta combines the smoothness of ricotta cheese with the aromatic flavor of garlic, creating a luscious sauce that perfectly coats every bite. A quick and indulgent meal for any pasta lover.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Ricotta Pasta:
- 1 lb pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine work well)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for serving)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for freshness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup spinach or other greens (optional, for added nutrition)
Instructions
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and then drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. The garlic should become fragrant and golden but not browned, as overcooked garlic can become bitter. If you want to add a bit of heat, now is the time to sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Stir them in for about 30 seconds to infuse the oil.
Once the garlic is fragrant, reduce the heat to low and add the ricotta cheese to the skillet. Stir the ricotta into the garlic and olive oil, allowing it to soften and blend with the garlic. If the ricotta feels too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to help create a smoother sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the ricotta, forming a creamy sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
If you want to add a bit of freshness to the dish, now is a great time to mix in lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice. This will brighten up the richness of the ricotta and balance the flavors beautifully.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the ricotta sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s fully coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. The starchy pasta water helps the sauce adhere to the pasta and creates a silky texture.
If you like your pasta extra creamy, add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet for a little added richness. Stir the butter into the sauce until it melts completely and the sauce becomes velvety smooth.
At this stage, you can choose to add additional ingredients to customize the dish to your liking. Fresh spinach or other greens can be added to the skillet, allowing them to wilt into the sauce and add some extra nutrients. If you like a bit of protein, consider adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even roasted vegetables.
Once the pasta is coated in the ricotta sauce and you’re happy with the consistency, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the pasta with fresh basil or parsley for an herbaceous touch. Add extra grated Parmesan cheese on top, and season with freshly ground black pepper.
Serve the pasta immediately while it’s hot and creamy. Pair with a light salad or garlic bread, and enjoy a comforting, satisfying meal.
Your Garlic Ricotta Pasta is ready to be enjoyed! The creamy ricotta and garlic combination makes this dish an instant favorite. It’s the perfect balance of comforting, rich, and fresh flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Fat: 18-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-55g
- Protein: 12-14g