Zesty Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli – Easy & Delicious

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli is a dish that dances on your palate, offering the zing of fresh lemon paired with the creamy texture of ricotta. Imagine swirling strands of pasta coated in a velvety sauce, punctuated by delightful bites of tender broccoli. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that can brighten even the dullest weeknight dinner.

This delightful dish holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of sunny afternoons spent cooking with friends. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply treating yourself after a long day. Get ready to indulge in an experience that will leave your taste buds singing!

When I first served this dish at a family gathering, everyone was raving about how delicious it turned out.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Pasta: Use your favorite type like fettuccine or spaghetti for best results.

• Fresh Broccoli: Look for bright green florets; they should be firm and free from yellowing.

• Ricotta Cheese: Choose whole-milk ricotta for creaminess; low-fat ricotta lacks flavor.

• Fresh Lemons: Opt for organic lemons if possible; they provide the best zest and juice.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth; avoid pre-minced garlic as it loses flavor.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor and richness.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan elevates the dish with its nutty notes.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; use kosher salt for better control over flavor.

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 water in a large pot and adding salt. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then reserve some pasta water before draining.

Sauté the Broccoli and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add fresh broccoli florets and minced garlic; sauté until broccoli turns bright green and tender-crisp while releasing its lovely aroma.

Create the Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in ricotta cheese along with lemon juice and zest. Mix well until creamy and smooth while watching it come together beautifully.

Add Pasta Water for Creaminess: Gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency while stirring gently to combine all ingredients.

Toss Everything Together: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything well so every strand gets coated in that luscious sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.

Finish with Parmesan and Serve!: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top before serving. Enjoy this vibrant plate while it’s still warm, allowing those zesty flavors to shine through!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli efficiently, cook the pasta first while steaming the broccoli. Combine everything in a large bowl, mixing in the ricotta and lemon juice for a creamy finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this dish by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. You can also swap broccoli for spinach or asparagus to keep things interesting.

Storing & Reheating

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

Sometimes I whip up this Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli when I need comfort food after an exhausting day. My family raves about it, which makes cooking feel rewarding and fun.

FAQ

Can I use other vegetables in Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli?

Yes, asparagus or spinach makes excellent substitutes that add unique flavors and textures.

How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?

Substitute ricotta with cashew cream and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

What type of pasta works best in this recipe?

Any pasta shape works well; however, fettuccine captures the sauce beautifully.

Print

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the creamy richness of ricotta cheese with the bright zest of fresh lemon. This easy-to-make pasta is complemented by tender broccoli, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, offering a quick yet satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté broccoli florets and minced garlic in olive oil until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
3. Reduce heat and stir in ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and zest, mixing until creamy.
4. Gradually add reserved pasta water to reach desired sauce consistency.
5. Toss cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring each strand is coated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese while warm.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: - For added protein, consider mixing in grilled chicken or shrimp. - Feel free to substitute broccoli with spinach or asparagus for variety. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.