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For this dish, pasta choices matter. I recommend fusilli or penne. They hold sauce well and cook evenly. Next, we have key flavor ingredients. Use good olive oil, fresh garlic, zesty lemon, and creamy ricotta cheese. These blend perfectly to make the sauce vibrant and tasty. You can also add optional ingredients for extra flavor. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness, while fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese gives a nice salty kick if you want. - 12 oz (340 g) pasta (fusilli or penne recommended) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup ricotta cheese - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish This simple list covers all you need for a delightful One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Enjoy the bright flavors and creamy texture! To make One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta, follow these clear steps. Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells good but does not brown. Next, add 12 oz of pasta to the pot. Fusilli or penne works well here. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and stir gently. Make sure all the pasta is covered by the broth. Now, turn up the heat until the mixture boils. Once it reaches a rolling boil, lower the heat to simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the pasta to be al dente, so check it around the 10-minute mark. After the pasta is cooked, take the pot off the heat. Stir in 1 cup of ricotta cheese, the zest of 1 lemon, and the juice of 1 lemon. Mix until everything is creamy and well combined. Next, fold in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of fresh spinach. Allow these to heat for about 2-3 minutes. Make sure to mix gently to combine all the flavors. Before serving, season your pasta with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If you like your pasta creamier, you can add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese at this stage. Serve the pasta right away. Garnish with fresh basil leaves on top for a beautiful finish. Enjoy this quick and easy meal! How to avoid overcooking the pasta To prevent overcooking, keep an eye on the time. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Check the pasta after this time. If it’s al dente, turn off the heat. If it needs more time, let it cook for another minute. Remember, you can always cook it a bit more, but you can’t uncook it. Adjusting the creaminess of the sauce You can easily change the creaminess of your sauce. If you like it creamier, add more ricotta cheese or some Parmesan. Mix well until creamy. If you want it lighter, use less ricotta. You can add more vegetable broth to thin it out if needed. Storing leftover ingredients properly If you have leftover pasta, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. For the best taste, reheat it gently on low heat. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible. It can make the pasta tough. For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. {{image_4}} You can easily swap ingredients to fit your taste or diet. - Alternative vegetables: If you want to change things up, try adding zucchini, asparagus, or peas. These veggies add great color and flavor. They cook quickly and blend well into the dish. - Vegan alternatives: If you prefer a plant-based meal, use vegan ricotta and Parmesan. Many brands offer creamy options that still taste great. You can also make your own ricotta using tofu, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast for a tasty twist. - Gluten-free pasta: For those who avoid gluten, there are plenty of gluten-free pasta options available. Look for those made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. They cook similarly and still absorb all the flavors from the dish. These substitutions keep the dish fresh and exciting. Whether you're vegan, gluten-free, or just want to try new veggies, this recipe can fit your needs. For the complete dish, check out the Full Recipe. Enjoy experimenting! To keep your One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta fresh, follow these tips. First, let the pasta cool down before storing it. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish moist and tasty. When refrigerating, use your leftovers within three days. To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help it regain its creamy texture. Stir often to heat evenly. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned before. The shelf life for stored pasta is as follows: - Refrigerated: 3 days - Frozen: 3 months By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta anytime you crave it! Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use other cheeses. Try feta or goat cheese for a tangy taste. Cream cheese also works well for a rich texture. Just keep in mind that each cheese brings a unique flavor. What if I don’t have vegetable broth? If you don’t have vegetable broth, you can use water. To add more flavor, mix in some herbs or a splash of soy sauce. Chicken broth is another good option if you want a heartier taste. Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and mix in the sauce. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it gently, adding a bit of water to keep it moist. Full Recipe Recap: Where to find it? You can find the full recipe for One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta in the recipe section above. Enjoy the easy steps and tasty ingredients for a quick meal! In this blog, I shared how to make One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta. We covered the essential ingredients like pasta, olive oil, garlic, and ricotta. I walked you through preparation steps, cooking tips, and variations to personalize your dish. Remember, proper storage helps keep leftovers fresh. Experiment with different vegetables and cheese for new flavors. Enjoy creating this simple yet tasty meal, and let it bring joy to your table. Happy cooking!

One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Delight in the fresh flavors of our One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta, a quick and easy recipe perfect for weeknight dinners! With just twelve ounces of pasta, ricotta cheese, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon kick, you'll create a creamy and satisfying dish in under 20 minutes. This one-pot wonder makes cleanup a breeze, too! Click through for the full recipe and get ready to impress your family with this delicious meal!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340 g) pasta (fusilli or penne recommended)

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup ricotta cheese

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and the minced garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

    Add the pasta directly into the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir the contents gently to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth.

      Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta reaches an al dente texture.

        Once the pasta is cooked, carefully remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until the sauce becomes creamy and all ingredients are well incorporated.

          Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach into the mixture. Allow them to heat through for about 2-3 minutes, gently mixing to combine.

            Season your pasta with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If you prefer a creamier consistency, fold in the grated Parmesan cheese at this stage.

              Serve the pasta immediately, beautifully garnished with fresh basil leaves on top.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings

                  15 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: For a stunning presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls topped with a sprinkle of extra lemon zest and fresh basil. A light drizzle of olive oil over the top can enhance both the flavors and visual appeal, inviting everyone to dig in!