There's something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta—it’s light yet indulgent, with a bright citrusy kick balanced by a velvety, cheese-laden sauce. This simple dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying without the fuss.

I first discovered this recipe while searching for a way to use up leftover ricotta cheese, and it quickly became a household favorite. The combination of fresh lemon, garlic, and creamy ricotta creates a luscious sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It’s fresh, flavorful, and endlessly customizable.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Get ready to add this recipe to your weekly rotation—it’s that good!

First and foremost, it’s quick and easy. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward method, you can whip up this dish in under 20 minutes. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spare.

It’s also budget-friendly. Ricotta cheese is an affordable way to achieve a creamy texture without the need for heavy cream, and the other ingredients are pantry staples like pasta, garlic, and lemon.

Another major plus? It’s incredibly versatile. You can keep it simple or toss in extras like sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or grilled chicken for a heartier meal.

Finally, this dish is naturally vegetarian and can be made even lighter by using whole wheat pasta or swapping out regular ricotta for a lower-fat version.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its fresh, simple ingredients, each playing a key role in building flavor and texture.

Pasta: I recommend using spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine for this recipe, as the long strands help capture the creamy ricotta sauce. However, shorter pasta like penne or rigatoni works well too.

Ricotta Cheese: The star of the dish! Opt for whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use part-skim, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.

Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest add a bright, tangy contrast to the richness of the ricotta. Be sure to zest the lemon before juicing to make the process easier.

Garlic: Just a couple of cloves add a warm, savory depth to the sauce. Fresh garlic is best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.

Parmesan Cheese: A small amount of grated Parmesan enhances the umami and ties everything together. It also helps thicken the sauce slightly.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe—just a pot for boiling pasta and a mixing bowl to create the ricotta mixture before tossing it all together.

How To Make This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

This dish comes together in just a few easy steps, making it ideal for weeknight cooking.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining—it’s key for creating the perfect sauce.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce by combining ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy.

Once the pasta is cooked and drained, immediately toss it into the bowl with the ricotta mixture. Use tongs to mix well, gradually adding small amounts of reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches a silky consistency.

For a final touch, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. If you like, garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

From start to finish, this meal takes no more than 20 minutes—perfect for a last-minute dinner that still feels special.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of warm water or milk to loosen it up.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to keep the sauce smooth.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

For a protein boost, toss in some grilled shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy pancetta.

To add some greens, stir in fresh spinach, arugula, or sautéed zucchini before serving. Roasted cherry tomatoes also make a delicious addition.

If you want a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil will do the trick.

For a vegan version, swap out ricotta for blended cashews or store-bought vegan ricotta, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.

This dish is incredibly flexible, so don’t be afraid to get creative! Whether you keep it classic or make it your own, it’s bound to be a favorite on your table.