Creamy Dreamy Pasta with Ricotta: A Simple Yet Elegant Recipe
This recipe for pasta with ricotta is incredibly versatile, easy to make, and delicious. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or even a sophisticated date night. The creamy texture of the ricotta cheese pairs beautifully with the pasta, creating a dish that's both comforting and satisfying. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves two hungry individuals, but easily scales up for more.
- Pasta: 8 ounces of your favorite pasta shape. Penne, farfalle, or shells work particularly well, but feel free to experiment!
- Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup whole milk ricotta. Full-fat ricotta provides the best creaminess.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Don't skimp on this – freshly grated makes all the difference.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic adds a vibrant flavor.
- Eggs: 1 large egg yolk. This adds richness and helps bind the sauce.
- Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon lemon zest. A touch of lemon brightens the dish.
- Fresh Basil: ¼ cup, chopped. Fresh basil offers a fragrant and peppery note.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key to a great dish!
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, plus extra for serving. High-quality olive oil enhances the flavor.
- Optional additions: Consider adding sauteed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
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Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg yolk, minced garlic, lemon zest, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the ricotta mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Serve: Divide the pasta among two plates. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Make it vegetarian: This recipe is naturally vegetarian.
- Add protein: Stir in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal.
- Boost the flavor: Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Make it ahead: The ricotta mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just combine it with the cooked pasta when you're ready to serve.
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This recipe is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy!
