Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you). See our official affiliate disclosure for more details.

Quick and Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Everyone Will Love

Hello, fellow time-strapped home cooks! Ever find yourself staring helplessly into your pantry, hoping a gourmet meal will materialize out of thin air? Trust me, I’ve been there. As much as I love cooking, there are just days when I need something quick, economical, and utterly delicious. Enter your new best friend: Lemon Ricotta Pasta. It’s fresh, zesty, and prepared faster than you can say “takeout.” Perfect for those nights when you want to eat like a king but have the schedule of a jester.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• 12 oz pasta (your choice, but spaghetti and fettuccine work great!)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (the fresher, the better)
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A handful of fresh basil or parsley (optional, but trust me on this one)

Let’s Cook This Up:

1. First things first, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Trust me, it’s worth setting a timer so you don’t end up with a mushy mess. Save about a cup of the pasta water just before draining. You’ll thank me later!
2. While the pasta’s doing its thing, grab a large bowl and mix together the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Give it a good stir until it’s all smooth and creamy.
3. In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until it’s fragrant. Cue that divine garlic smell wafting through your kitchen.
4. Mix the cooked pasta with the lemon-ricotta mixture, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water to bring everything together. You’re aiming for a creamy, luscious consistency.
5. Add the garlic oil to the pasta, toss it all up, and season with salt and pepper. Don’t hold back on the seasoning; it’s where the magic happens.
6. Serve it up with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and some fresh basil or parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Voilà! Dinner is served.

If you’ve got a few extra moments while your pasta is cooking, let me share a little secret with you. Whether you’re cooking dinner or just surfing the web, there are some amazing ways to make money without leaving your kitchen (or your PJs).

The Real Talk Section

• Quick dinners like this pasta leave more time for those side gigs that can pad your wallet.
• Making money from home means you can spend more evenings curled up with your plate of pasta and a good movie.
• Who knew supporting companies from your own space could be as satisfying as cooking up a delightful dinner?

So next time you’re in a pinch for time but want a dinner that’ll impress, you know where to turn. And if you need some side hustle inspiration to mull over while your pasta’s boiling, you’ve got some great options here.

Happy cooking (and earning)! Want to save this for later? Pin the recipe to your favorite board and enjoy a little zest anytime you need it!