From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/7
Instructions
1
Prepare the pasta according to package directions. Before draining off the water, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water to use as needed in the ricotta sauce.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
3
Once hot, add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the drained pasta and ricotta and a few tablespoons of the pasta water.
4
Cook and stir for 4 minutes until water is absorbed and ricotta coats the pasta evenly. Add additional pasta water as needed to prevent the ricotta from burning.
5
Add the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt and pepper, to taste. Stir well and serve immediately.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Reserve Pasta Water for Silky Sauce 💧Save 1 cup of starchy pasta cooking water before draining—add it gradually to the ricotta mixture to create a luxurious, creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta without breaking.
- Zest Lemon Before Juicing 🍋Always zest your lemon first while it's still whole, as the flesh becomes harder to zest after cutting; this ensures you capture maximum fragrant oils for that bright, fresh flavor.
- Bloom Garlic in Oil Gently 🧄Mince garlic finely and warm it in olive oil over low heat for just 1-2 minutes to release its flavor without browning, which would create bitterness that overpowers the delicate lemon and ricotta.
- Temper Ricotta with Warm Pasta Water 🔄Mix the ricotta with a splash of warm pasta water and garlic oil before combining with hot pasta to prevent the cheese from breaking or becoming grainy from the temperature shock.
- Finish with Fresh Lemon Zest at the Table 🌟Add an extra pinch of fresh lemon zest as a final garnish right before serving to brighten the flavors and create a sophisticated pop of color and aroma that elevates the entire dish.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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