One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta: Effortless Gourmet in Under 30 Minutes

One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Introduction

Zesty, creamy, and wonderfully simple, One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. This dish embodies the magic of one-pot cooking, producing a silky, tangy sauce and tender noodles all in a single vessel. With a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal clean-up, you get a restaurant-worthy meal that feels sophisticated yet is effortless to make.

Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining guests, this pasta’s perfect balance of bright lemon and rich ricotta always gets rave reviews.

Why One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta Shines

The genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Cooking your pasta and sauce together not only saves time, but it also allows the starch from the pasta to naturally thicken the sauce, resulting in a rich, cohesive flavor profile. The lemon brings a bright pop that cuts through the creaminess of the ricotta, making each bite feel light and fresh. Plus, everything gets tossed together in under 30 minutes!

Getting Prepped: Chopping & Zesting

Start by gathering your aromatics and veggies. Minced shallots and garlic are classic choices, and you can add spinach or snap peas for extra color and nutrition. With the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, you’ll breeze through prep work—quickly dicing onions, slicing shallots, or chopping herbs in seconds. Be sure to zest the lemon before cutting it; a good Microplane or your favorite zester will maximize that essential citrus flavor.

Building the Creamy Lemon Ricotta Sauce

Place your pot or a sturdy nonstick skillet like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium heat. Sauté your aromatics just until soft, then add in the pasta along with broth or water. As the pasta cooks, it will release starches, naturally thickening the sauce. Once al dente, stir in ricotta, freshly grated Parmesan, and plenty of lemon zest + juice for brightness. The result: a sauce that’s simultaneously creamy, tangy, and luscious.

Finishing Touches & Serving Suggestions

Stir in greens or peas right at the end so they retain their vibrant color and a hint of crunch. For an extra flavor burst, finish with fresh basil or mint. To store leftovers, portion the pasta into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers so flavors stay bright and creamy for your next lunch.

For an impressive presentation, serve your pasta in a large bowl and top with lemon zest curls and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil using your TrendPlain 16oz/470ml Olive Oil Sprayer.

Nutritional Info & Serving Size

This recipe serves about four generous portions. Each serving has approximately 430 calories, 15g protein, and 16g fat when using low-fat ricotta. Adjust ingredients and toppings according to your dietary needs.

One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta — Recap

With just one pot, a handful of fresh ingredients, and under 30 minutes, you’ll have a pasta dish that’s creamy, vibrant, and endlessly satisfying. If you love easy weeknight dinners with gourmet flair, this lemon ricotta pasta deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

Ingredients

12 oz dried pasta (such as fusilli, spaghetti, or penne)
1 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for serving
2 shallots, finely minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ¼ cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup ricotta cheese (whole or part-skim)
1 small lemon (zest + juice, about 2 Tbsp)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach or peas
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or mint, for garnish
(Optional) Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, mince shallots and garlic for even cooking and faster prep.
  2. In a large SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch or deep pot, heat olive oil over medium. Add shallots and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add pasta, broth, and a generous pinch of salt. Stir well, increase heat to high, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and almost all the liquid is absorbed (10–11 minutes).
  4. Lower heat. Add ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Stir until creamy and well combined. Fold in spinach or peas, stirring until just wilted and bright green.
  5. Season generously with black pepper, taste and adjust lemon or salt if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs and an extra drizzle of olive oil from your TrendPlain 16oz/470ml Olive Oil Sprayer.
  6. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to preserve freshness and flavor.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 7 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Enjoy the combination of fresh lemon, creamy ricotta, and perfectly cooked pasta—all in one pot for minimal fuss and maximum flavor!

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