ricotta pasta sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best ricotta pasta sauce recipe

I’ve been making this ricotta pasta sauce recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My family loves it, and I love how easy it is to make.

The combination of creamy ricotta, tangy tomatoes, and fresh herbs is a match made in heaven. Plus, it’s a great way to get some veggies into my kids – they don’t even notice they’re eating healthy!

As an added bonus, this sauce freezes beautifully, so I can make a big batch and have it on hand for future meals. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables or herbs I have lying around the kitchen.

I like to think of this sauce as a blank canvas – you can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite ingredients or spices. And the best part?

It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and familiar or something new and exciting, this ricotta pasta sauce recipe has got you covered.

Creamy Ricotta Pasta Sauce

4.8 from 1885 votes

This silky ricotta pasta sauce is quick to prepare and coats pasta with a rich, creamy texture. The mild flavor of ricotta pairs beautifully with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs for a light yet satisfying meal.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

For the Pasta

12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 10 to 12 minutes.
3Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta in a colander.
4While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, stirring constantly.
6Reduce heat to low to prevent the garlic from burning.
7Add the ricotta cheese and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
8Cook over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to warm through without boiling.
9Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until fully incorporated.
10Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing gently to coat every strand.
11If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a creamy consistency.
12Cook for 1 to 2 minutes over low heat, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
13Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil.
14Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
15Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Colander
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon
Microplane or zester

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. The sauce is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creaminess.

Watch Video Of How Creamy Ricotta Pasta Sauce Works

This ricotta pasta sauce recipe is a staple in our household – we love it for its simplicity and versatility. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when we need something quick and easy, but also impressive enough for company.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – I can make a big batch and freeze it for future meals. When reheating, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Serve over cooked pasta or use as a dipping sauce for bread – either way, it’s sure to be a hit!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Ricotta Pasta Sauce

Q: What is ricotta pasta sauce?

Ricotta pasta sauce is a type of pasta sauce made with ricotta cheese, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.

Q: Can I use low-fat ricotta instead of regular ricotta?

Yes, you can use low-fat ricotta cheese if you prefer. Keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.

Q: How long does the sauce take to cook?

The sauce takes about 20-25 minutes to cook, depending on the method you choose.

Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q: What are some variations on this recipe?

You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also add different herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.

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