Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Name: Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 200g pasta of your choice; 150g ricotta cheese; Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Family Quick Meals Collection

I absolutely adore making this Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta for special occasions or intimate dinners. The bright citrus flavor combined with the creamy ricotta creates a dish that feels both light and luxurious. Perfectly paired with al dente pasta and finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, this meal is a celebration on a plate. It’s quick to prepare, yet it looks and tastes impressive enough to wow anyone. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be swept off your feet!

Created by

Rosamund Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-11T19:27:34.865Z

When I first experimented with lemon in my pasta, I was blown away by how well it complemented the ricotta. The combination is surprisingly refreshing, making it an ideal choice for a romantic dinner. I always add a touch of olive oil to the ricotta, which creates a velvety texture that clings beautifully to the pasta.

One of my favorite tips is to reserve some pasta cooking water before draining it. Adding a splash of this starchy water to your sauce helps it adhere better to the pasta, enhancing the creamy goodness of the dish. It truly elevates this quick recipe into a memorable experience!

        Why You'll Love This Dish
        Zesty lemon brightness that awakens the senses
Creamy ricotta that provides a rich, luxurious texture
Perfectly balanced flavors, ideal for a romantic dinner

      

The Role of Ricotta

Ricotta cheese is the star of this dish, providing a creamy texture that perfectly complements the bright lemon flavor. Its mild taste allows the lemon to take center stage while adding a richness that elevates the entire dish. When selecting ricotta, look for a fresh, full-fat variety for the best results, as it will melt into the pasta more smoothly and create a delightful creamy coating.

To ensure your ricotta integrates seamlessly into the pasta, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. This not only softens the cheese but also makes it easier to blend with other ingredients. If you happen to have leftovers, ricotta can also be used in desserts or as a spread, maximizing its utility in your kitchen.

Perfecting the Pasta

Choosing the right pasta shape can significantly affect the overall experience of this dish. I recommend using long pasta types like spaghetti or fettuccine, as their strands can elegantly capture the creamy ricotta sauce. Whichever pasta you choose, aim for a cooking time that results in al dente texture—firm yet tender. This usually takes around 8-12 minutes, depending on the type of pasta.

If you're preparing this dish for two, a standard serving of 100g per person should suffice. To scale up for a dinner party or family meal, simply multiply the amount of pasta and sauce ingredients while maintaining the same ratio of flavors. Just be cautious—if you increase the pasta significantly, you may need a larger pot for cooking, and make sure to adjust the amount of salt in the water accordingly.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful pasta dish:

Ingredients

200g pasta of your choice
150g ricotta cheese
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Now that you have everything, it’s time to get cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, combine the ricotta, lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil. Mix until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine

Add the drained pasta back to the pot. Stir in the ricotta mixture along with reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired creaminess.

Serve

Plate the pasta, garnishing with fresh herbs. Enjoy immediately!

Serve and enjoy this delightful dish!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a handful of cherry tomatoes for freshness. Pairing this dish with a crisp white wine can enhance its romance factor even more.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're looking to prepare this dish in advance, the components store quite well separately. Cook the pasta and let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The ricotta mixture can also be made ahead; just keep it sealed in the fridge until you're ready to combine everything.

When ready to serve, simply reheat the pasta in a pot with a splash of water to loosen it up and fold in the ricotta mixture until heated through. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause the ricotta to become grainy. A gentle reheat on low heat is optimal to preserve the texture.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta, consider adding some seasonal vegetables. Steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach can add color and extra nutrition, not to mention a lovely visual appeal on the plate. You could also sprinkle on some toasted pine nuts for an added crunch, enhancing the dining experience with varied textures.

For a more substantial meal, serve the pasta alongside a light green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread for a delightful contrast. A chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish beautifully, enhancing the citrus notes and making for a perfect romantic dinner setting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, mascarpone or cream cheese can also work well, though the flavor and texture will vary.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

While the pasta can be prepped in advance, it's best to combine with the sauce right before serving for optimal creaminess.

→ What can I serve with this pasta?

A simple arugula salad or garlic bread would pair wonderfully with this dish.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the ricotta with a vegan cream cheese or nut-based alternative to create a vegan version.