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 spaghetti; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt to taste; 1 cup ricotta cheese; Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped

Highlighted under: Inspired Ideas

I absolutely love making this Romantic Lemon Ricotta Pasta for special date nights. The bright, zesty flavor of lemon combined with the creamy texture of ricotta creates a dish that's both comforting and elegant. As I prepare it, the aroma fills the kitchen, and I can’t help but get excited about sharing it with someone special. It’s a simple recipe that transforms ordinary pasta into a delightful experience, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Created by

Unity Caldwell

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:18:36.970Z

When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I was intrigued by the idea of using ricotta in pasta. It had never crossed my mind, but I decided to give it a shot. The result was nothing short of magical. The creaminess of the ricotta blended perfectly with the zesty lemon, making each bite refreshing. I learned that using fresh lemon juice rather than bottled elevates the flavor immensely, so I always keep a couple of juicy lemons on hand for this dish.

As I plated the pasta, topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, I was surprised at how gourmet it looked and tasted. I have served this dish to friends and family, and everyone always leaves wanting more. The best part? It’s quick and effortless, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and your company!

        What You'll Love About This Recipe
        The perfect balance of creamy ricotta and zesty lemon is simply irresistible.
Quick and easy to make, allowing more time for a romantic evening.
Versatile enough to tweak with your favorite herbs or veggies.

      

The Star of the Dish: Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese is the heart of this pasta dish, providing a creamy texture that complements the tangy lemon beautifully. Its mild flavor allows the other ingredients, particularly the lemon, to shine through without overwhelming the palate. When choosing ricotta, opt for a whole milk variety if possible. This will create a richer sauce that clings beautifully to the spaghetti. For a lighter option, part-skim ricotta can be used, but be prepared for a slightly less creamy texture.

To achieve the ideal consistency with your ricotta sauce, it's essential to mix it thoroughly. I recommend using a whisk or a fork to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and glossy. This not only enhances the creaminess but also ensures that every spaghetti strand is well-coated, preventing clumps. If the sauce seems too thick, a little more reserved pasta water will help loosen it without diluting the flavor.

Perfecting the Balance of Flavors

The combination of lemon zest and juice is crucial for achieving that bright flavor in your sauce. Be sure to zest the lemon before juicing, as the zest contains essential oils that carry intense lemon flavor. If you're in a pinch, a splash of lemon extract can be a substitute, though it’s best to use fresh lemons for the best results. The acidity from the lemon not only brightens this dish but also cuts through the richness of the ricotta and Parmesan, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.

If you prefer a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with a pinch and adjust according to your spice threshold. This small addition can elevate the dish significantly, adding an exciting kick that complements the creamy lemon sauce. For a more varied texture, toss in seasonal vegetables like asparagus or spinach; just sauté them briefly in the olive oil before adding the pasta and sauce.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

200g spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt to taste

For the Lemon Ricotta Sauce

1 cup ricotta cheese
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.

Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese until well combined. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.

Combine and Serve

In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the cooked spaghetti with the lemon ricotta sauce. Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating sautéed spinach or arugula into the pasta just before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

This lemon ricotta pasta can be partly prepared in advance, making it a great option for a stress-free romantic dinner. The ricotta sauce can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator a few hours ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. When you're ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to bring it back to the right consistency.

The pasta itself is best served fresh, but if you need to cook it ahead of time, undercook it slightly by about 1-2 minutes. When you reheat it in the sauce, the pasta will absorb the sauce and finish cooking perfectly. Just keep in mind that freshly cooked spaghetti will have a firmer bite compared to pasta that’s been sitting.

Serving Suggestions

To make your romantic dinner even more special, consider pairing this pasta with a light salad. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette can complement the zesty notes in the pasta while offering a refreshing crunch. For an elevated touch, serve with a glass of chilled white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, which matches the lemon flavors beautifully.

For added sophistication, I love drizzling a bit of high-quality extra virgin olive oil on the plated pasta just before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a lovely glossy finish. You might also try sprinkling toasted pine nuts or crushed walnuts for a nutty texture contrast that enriches the overall dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! This sauce works beautifully with any pasta shape you prefer.

→ Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese as a lighter alternative, but the texture will differ slightly.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian! Just ensure that the Parmesan cheese you use is rennet-free.

→ Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it up before adding the pasta.