5Ingredient Lemon Ricotta Pasta Perfection
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever feel like dinner is a chore? I get it! Let's ditch the stress with these easy 5 ingredient recipes .
This Lemon Ricotta Pasta is bursting with flavour. It's quick and simple to make.
Brief Overview
Originating from the heart of Italian home cooking, pasta dishes are often quick and comforting. This recipe simplifies that classic.
It's easy. It takes about 17 minutes. This recipe makes 2 servings. Perfect for a quick lunch or Weeknight meals .
Main Benefits
This dish is rich in protein and calcium. Making it a Health Dinner Recipes option! It is perfect for a busy weeknight when you are short on time.
The best thing? This Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a Budget friendly meals that feels fancy.
Looking for Quick Dinner Ideas ? This pasta dish is your answer. It is Fast Dinner Recipes . Seriously, it's so fast.
Think of it as your secret weapon for Easy Pasta Dinner . Ready to see how to make this Simple Pasta Dishes recipe?
This recipe keeps things Minimalist recipes . It uses only a few high-quality ingredients. Using high-quality ricotta is key to the best flavor.
Trust me! Now, let's look at what you'll need. Oh my gosh! I almost forgot. This Health Dinner Recipes is even suitable for Healthy Recipes For Diabetics because it is low in carbohydrates and naturally low in sugar!
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk about what you'll need for this Lemon Ricotta Pasta. It's one of those 5 ingredient recipes that proves you don't need a ton of fancy stuff for a delicious meal.
This easy pasta dinner is all about fresh flavors. Honestly, it's become a go-to weeknight meal for me. It's also a budget friendly meal for when I'm trying to save a few quid.
You know?
Main Ingredients
Here’s what you need for two generous servings of this simple pasta dish :
- 200g (7 oz) dried pasta. Spaghetti, linguine, or penne all work. Use whatever you fancy!
- 250g (9 oz) full fat ricotta cheese. Trust me, go for the full fat stuff. It makes all the difference.
- 1 large lemon. We need both the zest and the juice.
- 50g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
For the ricotta, look for a tub that looks creamy and fresh. If it's watery, give it a miss. A good lemon should feel heavy for its size and smell zesty.
Seasoning Notes
Salt and pepper. Obvs. These aren’t included in the official 5 ingredients! A good grind of black pepper is essential.
The lemon is key. Its zest brightens everything up. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of kick if you like.
I do when I want a fast dinner recipe . It is a pasta dinner recipe or quick dinner idea when you are short on time
Equipment Needed
For this quick dinner idea , all you'll need are:
- A large pot to cook the pasta.
- A colander to drain it.
- A large bowl for mixing.
- A zester.
- A juicer.
Don't have a fancy juicer? No worries. Just use your hands! A fork works too. This is about minimalist recipes , not about making extra dishes.
I used to stress about having all the right equipment. But now I know it is a health dinner recipe or healthy recipes for diabetics if done right, not rocket science.
Honestly, just make do with what you've got!
Cooking Method: 5-Ingredient Lemon Ricotta Pasta Perfection
Fancy a super easy pasta dinner that tastes like you've been slaving away for hours? This 5 ingredient recipes is your answer.
I first tried something similar at a mate's place and thought, "Oh my gosh, I need this in my life!" It's honestly one of the fast dinner recipes I rely on when I'm knackered after work.
Forget complicated, this is all about minimalist recipes ! This is a staple in my house for a weeknight meal .
Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized
Mise en place is your best friend! Get your ingredients measured out. Zest and juice your lemon. Grate your Parmesan.
This time saving trick makes the cooking process a breeze. No safety concerns here, unless you consider boiling water a thrill ride!
step-by-step: Pasta Magic
- Boil your pasta. Use plenty of salted water. Cook it al dente ( approximately 8- 10 minutes ). Before you drain, save about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Trust me on this.
- Make the sauce. In a large bowl, mix 250g ricotta, zest and juice of 1 lemon, and 50g Parmesan . Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the pasta. Add your drained pasta to the ricotta mixture. Toss to coat.
- Add pasta water. Stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time. You want a creamy sauce.
- Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil . Serve hot. Add more Parmesan and pepper.
This recipe hits all the spots for folks looking for healthy recipes for diabetics . This recipe may be a good start for health dinner recipes and budget friendly meals .
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pasta
- Don't overcook the pasta! Aim for al dente.
- Warming the bowl keeps the pasta hot longer.
- Don't skip the pasta water. It is the secret ingredient for a super creamy sauce.
Honestly, sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. Avoid using low-fat ricotta. It doesn't melt as well. This is one of my favorite quick dinner ideas !
Recipe Notes for Your 5-Ingredient Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Okay, so you’re about to dive into this Easy Pasta Dinner . Honestly, I'm stoked for you! It's one of my go-to Fast Dinner Recipes and I know it'll become one of yours too.
Let's chat about a few things to keep in mind to make it absolutely perfect.
Serving Suggestions: Make it Insta Worthy!
Right, let's talk presentation. I like to twirl the pasta into a little nest on the plate. Then, I spoon over that creamy ricotta sauce.
A generous sprinkle of Parmesan and a crack of black pepper? Oh my gosh, yes! If you want a side, a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is just the ticket.
A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc? Pure class, darling.
Storage Tips: For Those Rare Leftovers
Look, this is so good, you probably won’t have leftovers. But if you do, pop the pasta in an airtight container and into the fridge.
It'll be good for about 2 days . Freezing isn't ideal. The ricotta can get a bit grainy. Reheating? A quick zap in the microwave or a gentle pan-fry with a splash of water does the trick.
Variations: Keep Things Interesting
Fancy a bit of a kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Feeling virtuous? Stir in a handful of spinach.
Want to make it Health Dinner Recipes ? Use wholewheat pasta. For those needing Healthy Recipes For Diabetics , keep an eye on portion sizes, but this Pasta Dinner Recipes is surprisingly suitable.
Nutrition Basics: Guilt Free Goodness
Alright, let's talk numbers. Each serving clocks in around 650 calories. You get a decent 30g of protein, but also 35g of fat.
The carbs are around 60g, with 4g of fiber. Keep an eye on the sodium. It is just an estimate and will vary with the cheese.
It is still a Budget friendly meals . This Simple Pasta Dishes proves that even Minimalist Recipes can pack a nutritional punch! You can use this dish as one of your Weeknight meals .
It's perfect when you want Quick dinner ideas .
This recipe is one of my 5 ingredient recipes that’s also incredibly versatile. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Now go and whip up this Easy Pasta Dinner that’s ready faster than you can say bellissimo ! Seriously, give it a go and let me know what you think!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this really a 5 ingredient recipe? What counts as an ingredient?
Absolutely! We're only counting the core flavour components: pasta, ricotta, lemon, parmesan, and olive oil. Salt, pepper, and water are considered pantry staples that most people have on hand, much like tea and biscuits in a proper British pantry. So, yes, it's a genuine 5-ingredient wonder!
Can I make this 5 ingredient recipes dish ahead of time?
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some components ahead of time. You can zest the lemon and grate the parmesan and store in the fridge. However, I would not recommend cooking and saucing the entire dish in advance, as the pasta may absorb too much of the sauce and become a bit gluggy.
Like a Sunday roast, it's best served immediately!
I'm not a fan of ricotta. Can I substitute it with something else in this recipe?
While ricotta is the star, you have some options! Cream cheese (like Philadelphia) will give you a similar creamy texture, though with a tangier flavour. You could also use mascarpone for an even richer, more decadent result.
Just remember to adjust the lemon juice to taste, as these alternatives might react differently to the acidity.
How can I store leftover Lemon Ricotta Pasta?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. A quick zap in the microwave or a gentle simmer in a pan will do the trick.
Be careful not to overcook the pasta; nobody likes a soggy bottom!
Is there a way to make this 5 ingredient recipes dish healthier?
Definitely! Use whole wheat pasta to boost the fiber content and keep you fuller for longer. You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or use part skim ricotta. Adding some veggies like spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes will also add extra nutrients and flavour without piling on the calories.
My sauce is too thick. How can I thin it out?
No worries, it happens! The easiest way to thin the sauce is with a little bit of the reserved pasta water. Add a tablespoon or two at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also use a touch of olive oil if you want to add some extra richness.
5ingredient Lemon Ricotta Pasta Perfection
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 4g |
