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Cooking the pasta to perfection begins with selecting the right type. For creamy lemon ricotta pasta, long pasta varieties such as spaghetti or fettuccine work wonderfully. The key to achieving the ideal pasta texture is cooking it al dente, which means "to the tooth" in Italian. This texture ensures that the pasta maintains a slight firmness when bitten into, allowing it to hold up against the creamy sauce.

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Discover the delightful flavors of creamy lemon ricotta pasta, a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. This dish features a luscious ricotta sauce infused with fresh lemon, creating a refreshing taste that's sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Customize with your favorite pasta and seasonal veggies to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy a satisfying, guilt-free meal that highlights the beauty of homemade cooking!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz pasta of your choice (spaghetti or fettuccine works great)

1 cup fresh ricotta cheese

Zest of 1 large lemon

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Freshly cracked black pepper, for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Make the Lemon Ricotta Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

      Combine Pasta and Sauce: While the pasta is still warm, add it to the bowl with the lemon ricotta sauce. Toss well to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

        Taste and Adjust: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

          Serve: Plate the pasta in bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for an extra kick.

            Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy this zesty, creamy delight!

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4