Lemon Ricotta Zucchini Pasta

Lemon Ricotta Zucchini Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender pasta with creamy ricotta cheese, fresh zucchini, and a hint of lemon zest. This harmonious blend creates a light yet satisfying meal, perfect for any season.​

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.​
• Nutritious and Flavorful: Packed with fresh zucchini and basil, offering a healthy dose of vegetables without compromising on taste.​EatingWell
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite proteins or additional vegetables.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, penne)​sweetpotatochronicles.com+2gatherednutrition.com+2Sugarsalted+2
• Olive oil​
• Fresh zucchini, thinly sliced or grated​The Busy Foodie+1gatherednutrition.com+1
• Garlic cloves, minced​Sugarsalted
• Red pepper flakes (optional)​Closet Cooking+1The Australian+1
• Whole milk ricotta cheese​Half Baked Harvest+1The Busy Foodie+1
• Parmesan cheese, grated​
• Fresh lemon zest and juice​
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped​
• Salt and black pepper, to taste​

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.​
2. Sauté the Zucchini: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the sliced or grated zucchini and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.​
3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.​
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the zucchini. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta mixture, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.​
5. Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh basil. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.​

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.​
• Preparation Time: About 10 minutes.​
• Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes.​

Variations

• Add Protein: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein.​
• Vegetable Variations: Substitute or add other vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers.​
• Herb Substitutions: Replace basil with other fresh herbs such as parsley or mint for a different flavor profile.​

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.​
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if necessary. Stir occasionally until warmed through.​

FAQs

How can I prevent the ricotta sauce from becoming too thick?

Gradually add reserved pasta water while mixing the sauce to achieve a creamy consistency. The starchy pasta water helps loosen the sauce without diluting its flavor.​

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.​

Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta. Blending the cottage cheese until smooth can provide a similar creamy texture.​Simply Recipes

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook the pasta and zucchini separately, and mix with the ricotta sauce just before serving to maintain the best texture.​

How do I add more flavor to the sauce?

Incorporate additional seasonings such as freshly ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to enhance the flavor.​

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, adding cheeses like shredded gouda or fontina can provide a different flavor and creaminess to the dish.​Half Baked Harvest

What type of pasta works best with this sauce?

Both long noodles like spaghetti and short pastas like penne or rigatoni work well. Choose based on your texture preference.​

How can I make this dish vegan?

Use plant-based ricotta and Parmesan alternatives, and ensure your pasta is egg-free to create a vegan version of this dish.​

Is it possible to add a crunchy texture?

Topping the finished dish with toasted nuts or seeds, such as pistachios or pine nuts, can add a pleasant crunch.​

Can I serve this dish cold?

While traditionally served warm, this pasta can be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad. Chill the cooked pasta and zucchini before mixing with the ricotta sauce, and serve as a refreshing dish.​

Conclusion

Lemon Ricotta Zucchini Pasta is a versatile and delectable dish that brings together the freshness of zucchini, the creaminess of ricotta, and the bright zest of lemon. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a go-to recipe for both quick family dinners and elegant gatherings. Enjoy experimenting with variations to make it uniquely yours.

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