Description
Zesty lemon ricotta zucchini pasta brings Mediterranean charm to weeknight dinners with creamy, bright flavors. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques craft a light, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
Seasoning and Optional Garnish:
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½–1 cup reserved pasta water
- Optional: red pepper flakes
- Optional: fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta until perfectly tender yet firm. Carefully extract a cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta completely.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame. Introduce zucchini to the pan, allowing it to sizzle and transform into a golden-edged delicacy over 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet and continue cooking for an additional minute, seasoning with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper.
- In a separate mixing vessel, whisk together ricotta, bright lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and a delicate balance of salt and pepper until smooth and harmonious.
- Transfer the drained pasta directly into the zucchini-laden skillet. Gently fold the creamy ricotta mixture throughout, gradually introducing reserved pasta water to create a silky, luxurious coating that embraces each pasta strand.
- Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings as needed. Elevate the dish with an optional shower of additional Parmesan, fragrant basil leaves, or a sprinkle of fiery red pepper flakes. Serve the pasta immediately while steaming and vibrant.
Notes
- Select fresh zucchini with firm, glossy skin to ensure maximum flavor and texture in your pasta dish.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.
- Reserve pasta water strategically, as the starchy liquid helps create a smooth, silky sauce that perfectly coats each pasta strand.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for a more vibrant and intense flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg