Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula Recipe
A bright and creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with peppery arugula, combining fresh lemon zest and juice to create a refreshing and easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb short pasta, like penne or rigatoni (Mezzi rigatoni recommended)
Cheese & Dairy
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan or pecorino, plus more for serving
Citrus
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 to 2 lemons) plus extra lemon wedges for serving
Greens & Herbs
- 2 cups arugula
- Thinly sliced or torn basil leaves for serving (optional)
Seasoning & Others
- Chili flakes for serving
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan or pecorino, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir together until well combined.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the hot drained pasta to the bowl with the ricotta mixture. Gradually add a little reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Add arugula and seasoning: Gently fold in the fresh arugula, allowing the residual heat to slightly wilt the greens. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Drizzle some olive oil over the pasta and sprinkle with chili flakes and extra grated Parmesan. Garnish with lemon wedges and optional torn basil leaves. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for a creamier texture.
- Use freshly grated lemon zest and juice for the best flavor and brightness.
- Optionally, add torn basil leaves for a herbal note.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and creamy texture.
