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- 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on preferred spice level) - Zest of 1 large lemon - Juice of 1 large lemon - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup baby spinach or arugula - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil or parsley for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) This dish shines with simple, fresh ingredients. Start with spaghetti or any pasta you like. Spaghetti cooks well and absorbs flavors nicely. Next, olive oil adds richness. It helps to sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. Garlic gives a warm, savory aroma, while red pepper flakes add a nice kick. You can adjust the spice level based on your taste. Lemon zest and juice bring brightness. They create a fresh flavor that makes this dish pop. The vegetable broth adds depth and helps cook the pasta. For creaminess, ricotta cheese is key. It coats the pasta and makes each bite smooth. Baby spinach or arugula adds color and nutrients, wilting into the warm dish. Lastly, don't forget salt and pepper for seasoning. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish. Grated Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice salty finish. Each ingredient plays a role in making this pasta a simple creamy delight. {{ingredient_image_1}} Step 1: Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir these together for about 1 minute. Watch closely! You do not want the garlic to burn. This step builds a great base flavor. Step 2: Add pasta and liquid ingredients Next, add 12 ounces of spaghetti to the pot. Then, mix in the zest and juice of 1 large lemon along with 2 cups of vegetable broth. Stir everything well to combine. This mixture will give your pasta a bright, zesty flavor. Step 3: Bring to a boil and simmer Turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the pasta to be al dente and most of the liquid absorbed. Step 4: Check for doneness and liquid absorption After about 12 minutes, check your pasta. It should be tender but still have a slight bite. If there’s too much liquid, let it cook a bit longer without the lid. This ensures a creamy texture without being too soupy. Step 5: Incorporate ricotta and greens Remove the pot from heat. Add 1 cup of ricotta cheese to the pasta. Stir gently until the pasta is creamy and well-coated. Then, fold in 1 cup of baby spinach or arugula. This will add color and nutrients to your dish. Step 6: Season and serve with garnishes Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve your One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta right away. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. If you like, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Enjoy this creamy delight! To get that perfect al dente pasta, follow this simple method. Always check the package for cooking times. Start tasting the pasta a minute or two before the time is up. Al dente means it's firm but not hard. For creaminess, adjust the liquid. If you want it richer, add a bit more broth or even water. The ricotta will also help make it creamy. Just remember, you can always add more liquid, but you can’t take it out! Let’s make this dish even tastier! You can add more herbs. Fresh basil or parsley works well. For a bit of spice, add more red pepper flakes. If you want to kick it up a notch, try adding lemon zest or a touch of cayenne pepper. These small changes can bring big flavor! Serving this pasta can be fun! Use a large bowl or plate to show off those bright colors. Garnish with fresh herbs on top. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a nice touch too. When it comes to pairing, a crisp white wine goes great with this dish. You can also serve it with a simple salad or garlic bread on the side. These pairings will make your meal even more delightful! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality ricotta make a significant difference in flavor. Always choose the best ingredients you can find for the tastiest results. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste. If you're unsure, start with less and add more as needed. Let the Pasta Rest: Allow your pasta to sit for a couple of minutes after cooking before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and enhances the overall creaminess. Experiment with Greens: While baby spinach or arugula works wonderfully, you can also try kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor and texture in your pasta dish. {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegan by using plant-based ricotta. Many brands offer great-tasting options. Look for one that has a creamy texture. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal! For gluten-free needs, swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many options exist, such as brown rice or chickpea pasta. Both options cook well and taste great! Feel free to play with the greens in this dish. Instead of baby spinach, you can use kale or Swiss chard. These greens add a different flavor and texture. Just chop them small before adding to the pot. If you want to try a different cheese, consider feta or goat cheese. Both bring a tangy taste that can change the flavor. Crumble them in right before serving for a fresh finish. Look for seasonal vegetables to add to your pasta. In spring, try adding asparagus or peas. In summer, cherry tomatoes or zucchini work great. These veggies add color and extra nutrients. You can also adjust the flavor for special occasions. Add fresh herbs like dill or thyme for a unique twist. For a festive feel, a sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten the dish. This keeps it fresh and exciting every time you make it! To store your One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta, cool it to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate the leftovers within two hours. This dish stays fresh for about three days. When reheating, use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to help it warm evenly. If using a skillet, add a splash of vegetable broth to keep it creamy. Heat on low, stirring gently until warm. For long-term storage, you can freeze the pasta. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. Label each bag with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To defrost, move the pasta to the fridge a day before serving. If you need it faster, you can use the microwave on the defrost setting. Reheat in a skillet, adding a bit of broth to restore the creamy texture. Stir well and enjoy! One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta lasts about three to four days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell or mold. If you see either, it’s best to throw it away. Yes, you can make this pasta dish ahead of time. Cook it and let it cool down before storing. When you are ready to eat, reheat it in a pot on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it creamy. Stir well to avoid burning. If you need a ricotta substitute, try cottage cheese or cream cheese. You can also make homemade ricotta using milk and lemon juice. Blend until smooth for a similar texture. Each option adds a different flavor but works well in this dish. Yes, you can easily add protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs nicely with the lemon flavor. For a plant-based option, try chickpeas or tofu. Cook the protein separately, then mix it in before serving. This adds heartiness and makes your meal more filling. This One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta is both easy and tasty. You learned about its key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for great flavor. Don’t forget to try different greens, cheeses, or seasonal veggies for variety. Store leftovers smartly, and enjoy reheating them later. Keep our FAQs handy for quick answers. This dish is simple, quick, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making it your own!

Zesty One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with a zesty lemon flavor, perfect for a quick meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 large lemon, zest
  • 1 large lemon, juice
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup baby spinach or arugula
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil or parsley
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute). Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Add the spaghetti to the pot, followed by the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Add the ricotta cheese and stir gently until the pasta is creamy and well-coated.
  • Gently fold in the baby spinach or arugula until wilted and incorporated.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
Keyword lemon, one pot, pasta, quick meal, ricotta