Craving a quick, comforting, and unbelievably creamy pasta dish? Look no further than this incredibly simple ricotta pasta sauce, ready in just ten minutes! Forget complicated recipes and long grocery lists; this recipe utilizes pantry staples to create a luxuriously rich and flavorful sauce that's surprisingly easy to make. The subtle tang of the ricotta beautifully complements the pasta, creating a satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a simple yet elegant lunch. You'll be amazed at how much flavor this simple sauce packs.
This recipe's secret lies in a few key ingredients and a simple cooking technique that elevates the humble ricotta to new heights of deliciousness. Get ready to experience the ultimate in creamy pasta perfection, because in just a few short steps, you’ll be enjoying a bowl of this delightful dish. Let's dive into the easy, step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Strainer
- Whisk
- Pan
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Orechiette pasta: 8 ounces
- Fresh ricotta cheese: 1/2 cup
- Large egg: 1
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon zest: 1 lemon
- Cayenne pepper
- Boiling pasta water: a couple of ladles
- Pesto
- Ricotta Salata
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Cook Pasta and Prepare Ricotta Mixture
- Bring fresh, salted water to a boil in a pot.
- Add pasta and cook for 1 minute less than package directions.
- In a separate pan, combine ricotta, egg, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Step 2. Temper and Combine
- Temper the egg mixture by adding a couple of ladles of boiling pasta water and whisking quickly.
- Once the pasta is cooked, use a strainer to transfer it to the pan, reserving some pasta water.
- Add the ricotta mixture to the pasta. Stir over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, until thickened.
Step 3. Enhance and Finish
- Add pesto (or other desired ingredients) and stir to combine.
- Season to taste and serve.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with grated Ricotta Salata.
Read more: Italian Zucchini Soup with Parmesan Croutons: A Delicious Recipe
Tips
- Use any pasta shape you like, but orechiette works well because of its cup shape which holds the sauce.
- Don't be afraid to add more pasta water if the sauce gets too thick.
- Feel free to experiment with different flavorings. The blog has more ideas.
- Ricotta Salata is a great garnish but any pasta cheese will work.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of pasta with this recipe?
Absolutely! This sauce works well with many pasta shapes, such as penne, rotini, fettuccine, or even ravioli.
2. What can I add to make the sauce even more flavorful?
Try adding some grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra freshness.
This creamy ricotta pasta sauce is the perfect solution for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. Enjoy the simplicity and rich flavor of this easy-to-make recipe, and don't hesitate to experiment with additions to personalize it to your taste. Happy cooking!