Quick & Creamy Ricotta Zucchini Pasta Recipe for Dinner Magic

Lemon ricotta zucchini pasta elevates ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that dances with Mediterranean-inspired elegance.

Summer’s bounty shines through each vibrant forkful of this delightful creation.

Fresh vegetables mingle with smooth, tangy cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that tantalize the palate.

Delicate ribbons intertwine gracefully, promising a dining experience that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Green and white elements blend seamlessly, offering a visual feast as enticing as the taste itself.

Light yet satisfying, this dish captures the essence of effortless cooking with remarkable finesse.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that celebrates simplicity and celebrates seasonal ingredients.

Lemon Ricotta Zucchini Pasta: Fresh, Light, and Flavorful

• Savor Quick Summer Freshness: This zucchini pasta delivers a light, bright meal perfect for warm evenings, combining seasonal vegetables with creamy ricotta in just 20 minutes.
• Boost Nutrition Effortlessly: Packed with protein, fiber, and lower-fat ingredients, the recipe provides balanced nutrition without sacrificing incredible flavor or requiring complex cooking skills.
• Elevate Simple Ingredients: By transforming basic pantry staples like pasta, zucchini, and ricotta into a restaurant-worthy dish, home cooks can create a sophisticated meal with minimal culinary expertise and maximum taste satisfaction.

Ingredients for a Light and Creamy Zucchini Pasta

• Pasta: Ideal for creating a light and delicate meal with quick cooking time.
• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing and adding smooth, rich flavor to the dish.

• Zucchini: Fresh summer squash that provides tender texture and mild, delicate taste.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings depth and warmth to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and spicy kick to enhance overall flavor.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, soft cheese that creates a smooth and luxurious sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that provides a salty and nutty undertone.
• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus element that adds fresh, zesty notes to the pasta.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to balance and enhance the dishs flavors.

• Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb that brings a fresh, green finishing touch to the pasta.

Step-by-Step Guide to Lemon Ricotta Zucchini Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Before draining, set aside of pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Transform Zucchini into Golden Delights

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté zucchini until it becomes tender and lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Elevate Flavor with Aromatic Spices

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing their intense flavors.

Step 4: Create Creamy Ricotta Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Grated Parmesan
• Lemon zest
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Marry Pasta with Zucchini and Creamy Sauce

Combine cooked pasta with sautéed zucchini and ricotta mixture. Gradually add reserved pasta water to create a silky, luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herb Flourish

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves over the top. Serve immediately while warm and vibrant.

Tips to Make Your Lemon Ricotta Zucchini Pasta Shine

• Zest with Precision: Carefully grate lemon zest using a microplane for fine, fragrant shavings without the bitter white pith.
• Control Zucchini Moisture: Pat zucchini dry with paper towels to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce's creamy texture.
• Pasta Water Magic: Save at least 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to noodles.
• Quick Cheese Blend: Whisk ricotta and Parmesan together thoroughly to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture before combining with pasta.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Tear fresh basil leaves just before serving to release maximum aromatic oils and maintain vibrant green color.

Keeping Leftover Zucchini Pasta Fresh and Delicious

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to preserve the quality of ingredients.
• Reheating Stovetop: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning. Heat until the pasta reaches a steaming temperature, about 3-4 minutes.
• Microwave Method: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water over the pasta to prevent drying out. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Pair Your Zucchini Pasta with These Sides

• Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Pair this light, zesty pasta with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the lemony ricotta and fresh zucchini flavors.
• Crunch with Garlic Bread: Serve alongside toasted garlic bread to add a crispy texture that contrasts with the creamy pasta and provides a delicious additional flavor dimension.
• Balance with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a side salad with peppery arugula, shaved Parmesan, and a light lemon vinaigrette to enhance the bright, summery notes of the pasta dish.
• Finish with Lemon Sorbet: End the meal with a refreshing lemon sorbet that echoes the citrus notes in the pasta and cleanses the palate with its light, tangy profile.

Add New Twists to Your Zucchini Pasta

• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace basil with fresh oregano and thyme, adding a robust Mediterranean flavor profile to the pasta dish.
• Protein Power Boost: Incorporate grilled chicken or shrimp into the recipe, creating a more substantial and protein-packed meal that satisfies hunger.
• Spicy Calabrian Kick: Swap red pepper flakes with chopped Calabrian chili peppers and add a splash of chili oil for an intense, authentic Italian heat experience.
• Roasted Vegetable Fusion: Include roasted bell peppers and eggplant alongside zucchini, enhancing the vegetable complexity and depth of flavor in the pasta.

Ricotta Zucchini Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Lemon ricotta zucchini pasta brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner plate. Fresh zucchini ribbons dance with creamy ricotta and tangy lemon, creating a light yet satisfying Italian-inspired meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (gluten-free if you want)
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced or shredded
• 1 cup (227 grams) ricotta cheese

Cheese and Seasoning:

• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese)
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons torn fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped

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Instructions

1. Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions, ensuring an al dente texture. Carefully reserve of the starchy cooking water before draining.
2. Heat of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice zucchini into thin half-moons and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly golden and tender.
3. Mince fresh garlic cloves and sprinkle red pepper flakes into the skillet with zucchini. Sauté for an additional 30-45 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine smooth ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, freshly grated lemon zest, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the ingredients until well incorporated.
5. Add the cooked pasta directly into the zucchini skillet, then gently fold in the ricotta mixture. Gradually introduce the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously to create a silky, creamy sauce that evenly coats the pasta.
6. Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the pasta. Serve the dish immediately while warm, with an optional extra dusting of Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

• Zucchini transforms this simple pasta into a vibrant summer dish bursting with fresh flavors.
• Ricotta creates a luxurious, creamy sauce that clings beautifully to each pasta strand.
• Lemon zest adds bright, citrusy notes that elevate the entire meal’s taste profile.
• Reserved pasta water is the secret weapon for achieving silky, perfectly coated noodles.
• Fresh basil provides a final aromatic touch that makes this recipe feel restaurant-worthy.
• Quick and effortless preparation means you can enjoy a gourmet meal in under 20 minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 70mg