Creamy Dreamy Pasta with Ricotta: A Simple Yet Elegant Recipe
Pasta with ricotta is a classic for a reason: it's incredibly versatile, quick to make, and utterly delicious. This recipe focuses on creating a creamy, flavorful sauce that highlights the fresh, tangy taste of ricotta cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a sophisticated yet easy meal for guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to serve 2-3 people, but it's easily scalable.
- Pasta: 250g pasta of your choice (short pasta like shells, penne, or farfalle work best, but you can also use long pasta). Look for high-quality pasta for the best texture and flavor.
- Ricotta Cheese: 250g whole milk ricotta cheese. Full-fat ricotta provides the creamiest texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: 50g grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving. A good quality Parmesan will significantly elevate the flavor.
- Eggs: 1 large egg yolk (optional, but adds richness and creaminess).
- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is best, but you can use pre-minced if needed.
- Lemon: ½ lemon, zested and juiced. Fresh lemon brightens the dish beautifully.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Season generously throughout the cooking process.
- Fresh Basil: A small handful, chopped (optional, but adds a lovely fresh flavor).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps create a creamy sauce.
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Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg yolk (if using), minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the ricotta mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
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Add Olive Oil and Basil (optional): Stir in the olive oil and fresh basil (if using). The olive oil adds richness and helps to create a glossy finish.
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Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas would be delicious additions.
- Make it vegetarian: This recipe is naturally vegetarian.
- Different cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
- Make it a complete meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier dish.
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