Name: Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta (Under 10 Minutes!) Recipe
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound farfalle pasta (or any other short pasta); Salt for pasta water; 4 Tablespoons butter; 3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided); 2 tsp lemon zest and juice (from 1 large organic lemon); 1 cup whole fat ricotta; ½ cup finely shredded Parmigiano Reggiano cheese; 2 Tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped (no stems); Sea salt for sprinkling; Freshly ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 86 reviews

There is something incredibly satisfying about a pasta dish that comes together quickly yet feels indulgent and fresh at the same time. The Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta (Under 10 Minutes!) Recipe is exactly that kind of dish. Bright lemon zest and juice cut through the richness of the smooth ricotta and browned butter, while a sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano ties everything together with a salty, nutty finish. Whether you’re new to cooking or just need a speedy weeknight dinner that tastes gourmet, this recipe delivers on flavor without keeping you tied to the stove for long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with dry farfalle pasta sits on a white marbled surface, surrounded by small clear glass bowls holding a cube of butter, salt, cracked black pepper, and grated cheese. To the left, there are two whole lemons, a container of soft white cheese, and fresh green parsley and garlic cloves lying next to them. The arrangement is clean and bright with natural colors standing out against the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to contribute to the perfect balance of creamy texture, vibrant citrus notes, and comforting pasta goodness. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this effortless masterpiece:

1 pound farfalle pasta (or any other short pasta): Short pasta shapes hold the sauce wonderfully and cook quickly.
Salt for pasta water: Essential to flavor the pasta from the inside out.
4 Tablespoons butter: For that rich, nutty browned butter flavor that is a star of the sauce.
3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided): Adds silkiness and helps emulsify the ricotta sauce.
2 teaspoons lemon zest and juice (from 1 large organic lemon): Provides fresh citrus brightness that wakes up the dish.
1 cup whole fat ricotta: Creates the luscious creaminess without heaviness.
Sea salt for sprinkling: To finish and enhance all the flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
½ cup finely shredded Parmigiano Reggiano cheese: For the perfect savory and nutty finish.
2 Tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped (not the stems): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta (Under 10 Minutes!) Recipe

Step 1: Boil and Salt the Pasta Water

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Heavily salting the water is a secret that makes all the difference when cooking pasta, seasoning it throughout rather than just on the surface. Once boiling, add your farfalle or preferred short pasta and set a timer, but cook about one minute less than the package suggests.

Step 2: Make the Browned Butter Lemon Sauce

While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Let it bubble and watch carefully as it transforms into a golden, fragrant browned butter—it’s the key flavor base for the sauce. Once browned, stir in the fresh lemon zest and lemon juice, then add a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil to balance out the richness.

Step 3: Reserve Pasta Water and Combine Pasta with Sauce

Before draining the pasta, reserve ½ cup plus two extra tablespoons of the starchy pasta water, which will help bind the sauce beautifully. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with your browned butter lemon sauce on medium-high heat. Toss everything together gently, allowing the pasta another couple of minutes to finish cooking and absorb those wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Sauce

In a large serving bowl, combine the creamy whole fat ricotta and finely shredded Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Drizzle in some extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. To loosen the ricotta mixture and make it silky, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water and stir until creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Now for the magic moment! Add the pasta swimming in the browned butter lemon sauce to your ricotta bowl. Stir everything together gently until every bite is coated in a gloriously creamy, velvety sauce. If the mixture feels too thick, add a splash more of pasta water or olive oil until it reaches your favorite consistency.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Finish by tasting and adjusting seasoning with a little more salt and freshly ground black pepper. When plating, sprinkle with chopped Italian parsley and an optional little extra shredded Parmigiano Reggiano cheese for a finishing touch that looks as good as it tastes. Your Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta (Under 10 Minutes!) Recipe is ready to delight!

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta (Under 10 Minutes!) Recipe

A white plate with a small raised bead edge holds a single layer of bowtie pasta mixed with a light creamy sauce, sprinkled with small green herb pieces and black pepper specks. The sauce looks soft and slightly thick, covering the pasta unevenly. Around the plate, a bunch of fresh green parsley leaves sit at the top left and half a lemon with bright yellow skin rests at the bottom left on a white marbled surface. The scene is well-lit and simple, focusing on the gentle colors and textures of the pasta dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A scatter of Italian parsley not only brightens the dish but offers a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the luscious sauce. Try adding a few lemon zest curls and an extra grating of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to elevate the presentation and add layers of flavor.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs perfectly with crisp green salads, like arugula tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a crunchy fennel salad. For a heartier meal, roasted asparagus or garlic green beans lightly dressed in olive oil complement the creamy, citrusy sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this pasta in warm shallow bowls to keep it cozy and easy to twirl with your fork. For an impressive dinner party, garnish each portion with edible flowers and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a restaurant-worthy touch that will leave guests swooning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers from this quick recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The sauce may thicken, but adding a splash of warm pasta water or olive oil when reheating helps restore that creamy texture.

Freezing

Because the ricotta sauce is so delicate and fresh-tasting, freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture and flavor. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or store in the fridge for short-term convenience.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat with a small splash of reserved pasta water or olive oil. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and to bring back the luscious creaminess of the sauce without overcooking the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While farfalle is recommended for its shape and texture, other short pasta like penne, fusilli, or orecchiette also work brilliantly as they hold the creamy sauce well.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

This particular recipe relies on the creamy ricotta and Parmigiano Reggiano for its signature flavor and texture, so substituting dairy-free alternatives may change the taste significantly. However, using a plant-based ricotta and nutritional yeast for cheese can be experimented with if you prefer a dairy-free version.

How do I know when the butter is perfectly browned?

Watch closely as the butter melts and foams; when it turns a golden brown color and smells nutty, it has reached the perfect browned stage—remove it from heat quickly to avoid burning.

Can I prepare the ricotta sauce in advance?

You can mix the ricotta with Parmigiano and olive oil ahead of time, but hold off on adding pasta water until just before combining with pasta to keep the sauce fresh and creamy.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon for this dish?

Use a microplane grater to finely zest just the yellow part of the lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith. Fresh zest makes a big difference in the brightness of the dish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s fresh, bright, creamy, and ready in a flash, the Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta (Under 10 Minutes!) Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a beautiful example of how simple ingredients and a little technique can come together to create something truly special. Next time you want a fast but inspired meal, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!