Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula – A Bright, Creamy, Fresh Pasta Dish!
If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s fresh, creamy, and zesty — this Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula is about to become your new favorite! 🍋✨
With creamy whole-milk ricotta, zippy lemon juice, fragrant basil, and peppery arugula, this recipe checks all the boxes for an effortless, flavor-packed meal. Plus, the beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy pasta on your table in about 20 minutes.
It’s perfect for spring and summer dinners, but honestly? It’s delicious all year round. Whether you’re hosting friends, need a quick weeknight meal, or want something light yet comforting, this pasta delivers.
And if you love pasta recipes with a bright twist, you’ll also enjoy this Creamy Lemon Butter Pasta or the classic Pasta Primavera.
Ingredients
- Produce:
- 2 cups arugula
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Chili flakes to taste (optional for heat)
- Pasta & Grains:
- 1 lb short pasta like rigatoni, penne, or farfalle — great for catching creamy sauce!
- Baking & Spices:
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Oils & Vinegars:
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Dairy:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan or Pecorino cheese finely grated
- Optional Garnishes:
- Extra Parmesan or Pecorino
- Toasted pine nuts for crunch
- Extra basil leaves for freshness
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add short pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
- Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water — this will help create the perfect silky sauce.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Ricotta Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan or Pecorino
- Lemon zest
- Lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Slowly add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture into a silky sauce.
Step 3: Toss the Pasta
- Add the warm pasta to the bowl with the ricotta sauce.
- Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add more pasta water as needed until the sauce clings beautifully to the pasta.
Step 4: Add the Greens
- Fold in the arugula while the pasta is still warm so it wilts slightly.
- Sprinkle in chili flakes for heat, if desired.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Plate the pasta and drizzle with a little olive oil.
- Top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a final squeeze of lemon juice.
- Optional: Garnish with toasted pine nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
- Enjoy this creamy, zesty, and utterly satisfying pasta masterpiece!
Notes
Variations
Customize your Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula with these tasty twists: 1. Add Protein
Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta. 2. Extra Veggies
Add peas, asparagus tips, or zucchini ribbons for extra color and nutrients. 3. Spicy Lover’s Version
Increase chili flakes or add a drizzle of spicy chili oil. 4. Herb Explosion
Add chopped fresh parsley, chives, or even mint for more herbaceous flavor. 5. Nutty Finish
Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds for crunch. 6. Make It Vegan
Use vegan ricotta, nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and skip dairy! Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. Microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds, stirring halfway through. Freezing:
Freezing is not recommended, as the fresh ricotta sauce is best enjoyed fresh. Pro Tip: Add a fresh squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil when reheating to revive the flavor! 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use spinach instead of arugula?
Yes! Spinach is a great substitute, offering a milder flavor. 2. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make the ricotta mixture up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. 3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. 4. What pasta shapes work best?
Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle are perfect for holding the creamy sauce. 5. How do I make it extra creamy?
Add a splash of heavy cream or extra ricotta for an even richer sauce. 6. What’s the best cheese: Parmesan or Pecorino?
Both work great! Parmesan is milder, while Pecorino offers a saltier, bolder flavor. 7. Can I serve this dish cold as a pasta salad?
Yes! Chill it and serve as a refreshing pasta salad, especially for summer gatherings. 8. Is it okay to skip the chili flakes?
Of course! The chili flakes are optional for those who like a little heat. 9. Can I add lemon zest at the end?
Definitely! A fresh zesting of lemon before serving brightens the dish beautifully. 10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients for a larger crowd — it scales perfectly. Conclusion
There you have it — Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula, the perfect balance of creamy, zesty, and fresh! 🍋🍝✨ This dish is a true celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something elegant and satisfying. Whether you serve it as a main course, a side dish, or a light lunch, it’s sure to delight. It’s fast, customizable, and downright crave-worthy. And don’t forget: next time, try adding your favorite proteins or veggies for an even heartier meal. For more bright and fresh pasta ideas, check out this Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta or Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta — both guaranteed to impress! Buon appetito! 🎉
Customize your Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula with these tasty twists: 1. Add Protein
Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta. 2. Extra Veggies
Add peas, asparagus tips, or zucchini ribbons for extra color and nutrients. 3. Spicy Lover’s Version
Increase chili flakes or add a drizzle of spicy chili oil. 4. Herb Explosion
Add chopped fresh parsley, chives, or even mint for more herbaceous flavor. 5. Nutty Finish
Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds for crunch. 6. Make It Vegan
Use vegan ricotta, nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and skip dairy! Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. Microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds, stirring halfway through. Freezing:
Freezing is not recommended, as the fresh ricotta sauce is best enjoyed fresh. Pro Tip: Add a fresh squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil when reheating to revive the flavor! 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use spinach instead of arugula?
Yes! Spinach is a great substitute, offering a milder flavor. 2. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make the ricotta mixture up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. 3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. 4. What pasta shapes work best?
Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle are perfect for holding the creamy sauce. 5. How do I make it extra creamy?
Add a splash of heavy cream or extra ricotta for an even richer sauce. 6. What’s the best cheese: Parmesan or Pecorino?
Both work great! Parmesan is milder, while Pecorino offers a saltier, bolder flavor. 7. Can I serve this dish cold as a pasta salad?
Yes! Chill it and serve as a refreshing pasta salad, especially for summer gatherings. 8. Is it okay to skip the chili flakes?
Of course! The chili flakes are optional for those who like a little heat. 9. Can I add lemon zest at the end?
Definitely! A fresh zesting of lemon before serving brightens the dish beautifully. 10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients for a larger crowd — it scales perfectly. Conclusion
There you have it — Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula, the perfect balance of creamy, zesty, and fresh! 🍋🍝✨ This dish is a true celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something elegant and satisfying. Whether you serve it as a main course, a side dish, or a light lunch, it’s sure to delight. It’s fast, customizable, and downright crave-worthy. And don’t forget: next time, try adding your favorite proteins or veggies for an even heartier meal. For more bright and fresh pasta ideas, check out this Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta or Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta — both guaranteed to impress! Buon appetito! 🎉