Introduction
Craving a comforting bowl of pasta but short on time and ingredients? This Easy Ricotta Pasta Recipe is your weeknight savior. With its creamy texture, bright flavor, and minimal prep, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without the hassle.
In just 20 minutes, you'll have a warm, velvety pasta dish that tastes like it came straight out of a cozy Italian kitchen. The magic? Ricotta cheese — mild, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether you're cooking for family or just yourself, this easy ricotta pasta recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
✅ Simple pantry ingredients
✅ Easily customizable (add chicken, shrimp, veggies, etc.)
✅ Family-approved comfort food
✅ Vegetarian-friendly
✅ Minimal cleanup – one pot, one pan
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work)
Substitution: Use gluten-free pasta if needed. - Salted water, for boiling
For the Ricotta Sauce:
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pro Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives richer flavor. - Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (helps emulsify the sauce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes, chopped basil, or baby spinach
Want to go dairy-free? Try vegan ricotta and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the pasta in generously salted water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain. (Prep: ~10 minutes)
- Sauté the garlic in olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Be careful not to burn it.
- Add ricotta, Parmesan, and lemon zest + juice to the pan. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring constantly to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and stir to coat evenly. If using spinach or other add-ins, stir them in now until just wilted.
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Tips: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
- Add-Ins & Variations:
- Crispy bacon or pancetta
- Roasted cherry tomatoes
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein
- Use lemon basil or arugula for a peppery kick
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 450 | 15g | 50g | 22g |
Values are per serving and are approximate. Adjust based on portion size or substitutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I use gluten-free pasta?
✅ Absolutely. Just be sure to follow the cooking time on the package to avoid overcooking.
❓ Why is my sauce clumpy?
❌ You might’ve skipped the pasta water — it’s key for creating a smooth, emulsified sauce.
❓ Can I add protein to this recipe?
✅ Yes! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu are perfect additions.
❓ Is this recipe vegetarian?
✅ Yes, just be sure your Parmesan is rennet-free or labeled vegetarian.
❓ Can I make this dairy-free?
✅ Definitely! Use plant-based ricotta and dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
Conclusion
This Easy Ricotta Pasta Recipe checks all the boxes: quick, creamy, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. It’s the perfect dish when you're short on time but still want a comforting, home-cooked meal.
Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete weeknight dinner.
Don’t forget to save the leftovers—they taste even better the next day!
Try it tonight and tag us @Simple Recipes on Pinterest! — we’d love to see your take on it!
Print
Easy Ricotta Pasta Recipe That’s Creamy, Quick & Irresistible
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Ricotta Pasta Recipe is the ultimate quick-fix comfort food — creamy, light, and ready in just 20 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines fluffy ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, and garlic into a velvety sauce that hugs every bite of pasta. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
-
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
-
Salted water for boiling
For the Sauce:
-
1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
-
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
-
¼ cup reserved pasta water
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, fresh basil, baby spinach
Instructions
-
Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
-
Sauté the garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
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Add ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest and juice to the skillet. Stir to combine into a creamy sauce.
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Add reserved pasta water gradually to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
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Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
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Toss the drained pasta into the sauce and mix until fully coated.
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Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or extra Parmesan.
Notes
-
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
-
Variations: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, crispy bacon, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted veggies for a twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx)
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: easy ricotta pasta recipe, creamy pasta, 20 minute dinner, quick Italian dish
