Penne with Lemon Ricotta and Basil
Bright, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavors, Penne with Lemon Ricotta and Basil is a quick and easy pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. This recipe combines tender penne pasta with a velvety ricotta sauce infused with zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and extra-virgin olive oil, creating a light yet indulgent meal. Fresh basil leaves add a vibrant herbal note, while grated Parmesan provides a savory, cheesy finish. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this dish is a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients that come together effortlessly. Serve it warm, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan, for a refreshing twist on classic comfort food. Perfect for those seeking a bright and flavorful pasta recipe, it's sure to become a household favorite!
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Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 250 grams ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 15 grams fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 120 milliliters reserved pasta water
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 milliliters (about 1/2 cup) of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, mince the garlic cloves and roughly chop the basil leaves. Set aside.
Step 3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic-infused oil.
Step 6
Add the ricotta mixture to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Stir gently to combine, creating a silky sauce that coats the pasta.
Step 7
Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the chopped basil leaves and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 8
Divide the pasta among serving plates. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with additional basil leaves if desired.
Step 9
Serve immediately while warm. Enjoy your Penne with Lemon Ricotta and Basil!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (928.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2281.9 |
| Total Fat 76.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 31.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 203.2mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3467.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 317.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 16.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.9g | |
| Protein 99.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1635.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 16.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1221.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories