Delicious Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Fresh Zest

I cannot wait to spill the tea on the lemon ricotta pasta that’s been rocking my kitchen—and trust me, it’s everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold, fresh, and unapologetically satisfying. The moment I first tasted this creamy ricotta pasta, I knew my flavor game had leveled way up. Picture this: a sun-drenched afternoon in my tiny Cuban kitchen, the air buzzing with anticipation as I twirled my fork through silky ribbons of pasta, kissed by that vibrant fresh lemon pasta zing. It was a total flavor revelation—light, tangy, with that dreamy creamy ricotta pasta sauce hugging every bite like a warm Cuban hug.

This lemon ricotta pasta isn’t your average dinner—it’s a showstopper that turns simple into spectacular. The perfect balance of rich italian ricotta pasta creaminess with a zesty lemon pasta burst makes your taste buds dance salsa. Every forkful sparks a celebration worthy of any night—no fancy occasion needed, just your love of bold flavors and easy ricotta pasta sauce magic.

After countless taste-testing sessions, tweaking and tasting, I’m beyond excited to share this recipe that nails comfort and excitement all at once. If you crave a set-it-and-forget-it dish that delivers punchy, unforgettable flavor, this lemon ricotta pasta is your new kitchen MVP. And hey, if you want to sneak in some greens, check out this easy lemon ricotta pasta & spinach version from The Clever Meal—that combo is next-level.

Ready to turn your pasta moment into a bold flavor party? This lemon ricotta pasta is just what you need. Let’s dive in.

This lemon ricotta pasta ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Here’s everything you need to make this creamy ricotta pasta dream happen:

Here’s the lemon ricotta pasta game-changer that will blow your mind: swapping butter for olive oil brings a cleaner, brighter taste that lets the lemon zing shine.

You’ll find the best ingredients for this lemon ricotta pasta at your local farmers market or specialty Italian shops. If you’re on a budget, whole-milk ricotta from the supermarket works wonders too!

Pro tip: zest those lemons before juicing for max fresh lemon pasta flavor intensity. Store extra ricotta in an airtight container for up to 3 days—your creamy ricotta pasta won’t skip a beat.

If you want to punch this lemon ricotta pasta up with a protein, grilled chicken is a natural win creamy Cajun chicken pasta vibes here.

1. Cook your pasta in generously salted boiling water until al dente. Don’t overcook—this lemon ricotta pasta is all about perfect texture. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining!

2. While pasta simmers, heat olive oil over medium in a large sauté pan. Toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

3. Add ricotta, lemon juice, and zest to the pan. Stir gently, creating that easy ricotta pasta sauce. Pro tip for lemon ricotta pasta perfection: add pasta water a little at a time until creamy but silky, not runny.

4. Toss pasta into the lemon ricotta sauce, coating every strand with luscious creaminess and fresh lemon pasta brightness.

5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. This step awakens the italian ricotta pasta flavors like magic.

6. Garnish generously with fresh herbs and serve immediately. Your lemon ricotta pasta should look glossy, smell like a bright citrus garden, and feel like a velvet dream.

Don’t stress—your lemon ricotta pasta is going to be incredible. This recipe takes about 20 minutes tops, but the flavor lingers hours later. While your lemon ricotta pasta is working its magic, grab your camera—this is Instagram gold! For a spin on this, check out the quick and easy lemon ricotta pasta from The Burnt Butter Table that keeps the vibe alive.

People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this lemon ricotta pasta at Sunday dinners or casual friends’ nights. The key to presentation?

Plate in big, lazy swirls on warm plates, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan, fresh herbs, and a quick crack of black pepper. Brighten with a thin lemon slice on top for that fresh lemon pasta pop.

Pair it with crisp white wine or a chilled rosé—this lemon ricotta pasta’s vibrancy calls for a clean, fruity sip.

This lemon ricotta pasta absolutely slays at dinner parties that demand creamy but light dishes. Try a side salad with lemon vinaigrette to echo that citrus note.

Leftovers transform into a killer pasta bake or lunch topper when mixed with roasted tomatoes—check out my roasted tomato ricotta pasta for inspo.

Seasonal tweaks? Swapping out basil for fresh thyme or stirring in baby spinach—yes, spinach!—takes this lemon ricotta pasta into a new league. For the full low-effort spinach upgrade check this out lemon ricotta & spinach pasta.

The community feedback has been fire! Folks are loving how this lemon ricotta pasta blends bright citrus with rich creaminess. If you want to try a breezy variation with more herbs, Lemon Tree Dwelling’s version is a must-try lemon ricotta pasta.

This lemon ricotta pasta embodies everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold, bright, and crave-able flavors that make everyday feel celebration-worthy. The creamy ricotta pasta sauce paired with fresh lemon pasta tang is an unbeatable flavor duo that delivers big on taste and ease.

Variations I’ve created and loved include mixing in roasted tomatoes for a savory tang, adding creamy cajun chicken for protein and spice, or stuffing shells with ricotta and fresh herbs for a dinner party twist Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells.

The lemon ricotta pasta version with grilled chicken gets the biggest cheers—creamy, zesty, with a little kick of hearty protein. Bold flavor adventurers, I believe in your kitchen wizardry. This lemon ricotta pasta is your new signature dish. Make it yours, share your photos, tag your flavor fam, and let’s keep cooking boldly. This is more than pasta—it’s flavor adventure on a plate. Let’s go!