This Creamy Ricotta Pasta is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner, delivering a rich and luxurious taste with minimal effort. If you’re searching for a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 20 minutes, you’ve found it. We combine simple, fresh ingredients to create a silky, satisfying sauce that perfectly coats every piece of pasta.
Forget complicated recipes. This dish relies on the magic of whole milk ricotta, starchy pasta water, and a touch of lemon to create a sauce that’s both incredibly simple and deeply flavorful. It’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Why This Creamy Ricotta Pasta Recipe Works
What makes this Creamy Ricotta Pasta a standout dish? It’s all about the technique. By using reserved pasta water, we emulsify the ricotta cheese, transforming it into a velvety sauce without any cream. A hint of garlic and a bright squeeze of lemon juice cut through the richness, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile. This is the kind of simple, elegant cooking that makes Italian food so beloved.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples to bring this dish to life. The key is to use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Pasta: A short pasta shape like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli works best to catch the creamy sauce.
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: This is the star of the show. Whole milk ricotta provides the creamiest, most luscious texture. Avoid skim or part-skim varieties.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a foundational aromatic flavor.
- Lemon: We use both the zest and juice for a bright, fresh acidity that balances the richness of the cheese.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor.
- Reserved Pasta Water: This is the secret ingredient! The starches in the pasta water help bind the sauce and make it incredibly creamy.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil to sauté the garlic.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To season the dish to perfection.
- Fresh Parsley: For a fresh, herby finish and a pop of color.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Sauce
Making this creamy ricotta pasta sauce is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a foolproof result every time.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve about 2 cups of the starchy pasta water. This is crucial for creating the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole milk ricotta, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Add about 1 cup of the hot reserved pasta water to the ricotta mixture and whisk vigorously until smooth and creamy. The heat from the water will help melt the cheeses and create a silky sauce. Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the garlic. Pour the creamy ricotta sauce over the pasta. Toss everything together, adding more pasta water a splash at a time, until the sauce coats the pasta beautifully. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips for the Best Ricotta Pasta
- Use Full-Fat Ricotta: For the ultimate creamy texture, whole milk ricotta is non-negotiable.
- Don’t Forget the Pasta Water: Reserved pasta water is the key to a smooth, emulsified sauce. Don’t skip this step!
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: The pasta will continue to cook slightly when you toss it with the sauce, so pulling it from the water when it still has a slight bite is perfect.
- Season Generously: Salt your pasta water well, as this seasons the pasta from the inside out and adds flavor to your sauce.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this Creamy Ricotta Pasta is fantastic on its own, it’s also a great canvas for other flavors. For a heartier meal, consider adding some protein like in this Italian Herb Chicken (coming soon).
- Add Veggies: Stir in some wilted spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a gentle kick of heat.
- Incorporate Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage to make it a more substantial meal. Another great option is pairing it with Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan (coming soon) for a complete Italian feast.
What to Serve with Ricotta Pasta
This dish is a wonderful standalone meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, steamed asparagus, or some crusty bread for soaking up any leftover sauce. If you enjoy easy pasta dishes, you might also like this simple Bow Tie Pasta Salad for another occasion.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat. You may need to add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
This dish is best served immediately for the creamiest texture. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.
The key is to use whole milk ricotta cheese and to temper it with hot, starchy pasta water. Whisk the hot water into the room-temperature ricotta mixture vigorously. This emulsifies the fat and water, creating a perfectly smooth and creamy sauce.
This recipe can be part of a balanced diet. Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. To make it healthier, you can use whole wheat pasta and add plenty of vegetables like spinach or asparagus.
This recipe is very versatile! You can add wilted spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. It’s a great base for many additions.
Short pasta shapes with ridges or curves are ideal for catching the creamy sauce. We recommend rigatoni, penne, fusilli, or shells for the best results.
The Recipe for Creamy Ricotta Pasta
Creamy Ricotta Pasta (Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 2 cups of the starchy pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk ricotta, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Slowly whisk 1 cup of the hot reserved pasta water into the ricotta mixture until it becomes a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the garlic. Pour the ricotta sauce over the pasta. Toss to combine, adding more pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
Reserve Pasta Water: Don't discard the starchy water! It's the key to a silky, non-grainy sauce.
Season Well: Be sure to salt your pasta water generously, as it flavors both the pasta and the sauce.
Share Your Creation!
We hope you love this quick and easy Creamy Ricotta Pasta recipe! It’s a dish that proves simple ingredients can create something truly special. If you make it, please leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest! We can’t wait to see your creations.
