Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli Bliss

Imagine twirling your fork into a creamy, dreamy bowl of Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli. The vibrant green florets dance amid luscious ricotta, creating a beautiful symphony of color and flavor that beckons you for just one more bite. The bright zing of lemon sings in harmony with the rich, creamy cheese, making it impossible to resist.

This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration on your plate, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or impressing guests at a gathering. Picture yourself sharing laughter and stories around the table as everyone digs into this delightful pasta. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for this unforgettable experience.

I still remember the first time I made Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli; my family couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: I usually use fettuccine or spaghetti, but any pasta shape works well here.
• Ricotta Cheese: Opt for fresh ricotta for the best texture and flavor.
• Fresh Broccoli: Choose vibrant green florets; they should feel firm and fresh.
• Lemon Zest and Juice: Use fresh lemons to maximize flavor; zest before juicing.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the dish’s richness.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring an aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate your own for a more intense flavor and better meltability.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance all the flavors perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot over high heat. Add your pasta once it’s bubbling away and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Sauté the Garlic and Broccoli: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add minced garlic and chopped broccoli florets. Sauté until garlic is fragrant and broccoli turns bright green.

Add Ricotta and Lemon Juice: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in ricotta cheese along with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix everything thoroughly until creamy and smooth while letting those lovely aromas fill your kitchen.

Toss in Cooked Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta but reserve about half a cup of pasta water. Add pasta to the skillet with ricotta mixture; gently toss everything together, adding reserved water as needed to achieve desired creaminess.

Season and Serve!: Before serving, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over your pasta along with some lemon zest for extra zing. Season generously with salt and black pepper, then serve warm.

Enjoy twirling those noodles on your fork, soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta until al dente while steaming the broccoli. Then, mix the ricotta and lemon juice in a bowl to create a luscious sauce that brings everything together.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize by adding grilled chicken for protein or roasted garlic for an extra depth of flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also kick things up a notch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain creaminess.

Sometimes, I think my friends believe I’m a magician when I serve this dish at gatherings. Their eyes widen as they enjoy every creamy, tangy bite, and it warms my heart!

FAQ

What type of pasta works best for lemon ricotta pasta with broccoli?

Any short pasta like penne or fusilli works wonderfully and captures the sauce perfectly.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain well before adding it to your pasta.

How do I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

Substitute ricotta with cashew cream and omit any cheese for a delicious vegan version!

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Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli

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Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli is a delightful dish that harmoniously blends creamy ricotta cheese, vibrant broccoli, and zesty lemon for a refreshing twist. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or impressing guests at your next gathering. With its beautiful presentation and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
• 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and broccoli until fragrant and bright green.
3. Lower heat and stir in ricotta and lemon juice, mixing until creamy.
4. Drain pasta and add it to the skillet, tossing with the ricotta mixture. Add reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
5. Season with salt, black pepper, and top with grated Parmesan and lemon zest before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: For added protein, consider including grilled chicken or chickpeas. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can enhance flavor if you prefer spice. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.