Delightful Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli Recipe

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli is a burst of sunshine on your plate, with creamy ricotta embracing al dente pasta, while vibrant green broccoli adds a delightful crunch. Imagine the zesty aroma of fresh lemon mingling with the rich creaminess of cheese, making you feel like you’re dining in a quaint Italian bistro.

As I twirled my fork in this luscious dish for the first time, I was transported back to that sunny summer afternoon spent at my grandmother’s kitchen table. She would whip up her version, and just like that, I was 10 again, giggling over spilled pasta sauce and endless second helpings. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or those cozy gatherings with friends when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Get ready to indulge in an explosion of flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients for Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use any pasta shape you love; I recommend fettuccine or penne for optimal sauce clinging.
• Fresh Broccoli: Look for bright green florets; they should be firm and crisp, not wilted.
• Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it’s the star of this show!
• Lemon Zest and Juice: Freshly grated zest and juice are key for that vibrant flavor explosion.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil will elevate the dish with its fruity notes.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds a salty richness that perfectly complements the creaminess of the ricotta.

For seasoning:

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors; don’t skimp on these!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Boil Your Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Remember, no one likes mushy pasta!

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

While your pasta cooks, chop fresh broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the pot during the last two minutes of cooking time for perfectly tender-crisp broccoli without any extra dishes.

Step 3: Drain and Reserve Water

Once your pasta and broccoli are cooked to perfection, drain them through a colander but be sure to reserve about a cup of that precious pasta water. Trust me; it’s liquid gold!

Step 4: Mix It All Together

In the same pot (less mess!), combine your drained pasta and broccoli with ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well coated. If it looks too thick, add small amounts of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.

Step 5: Add Parmesan

Finally, sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and toss again until everything is mixed beautifully. The heat from the pasta will help melt the cheese slightly.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Transfer servings onto plates or into bowls and finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy!

Now grab your fork, dig in, and enjoy every creamy bite of this Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta until al dente. While that’s happening, sauté garlic in olive oil, then add broccoli to brighten up your dish. Finally, mix in the ricotta and lemon for that creamy finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the broccoli for spinach or add some sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor boost. You could also sprinkle in some toasted pine nuts for an extra crunch or use different cheeses like feta or goat cheese.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it creamy and prevent drying out.

Sometimes I whip this dish up when friends come over, and their smiles say it all—who knew pasta could make someone so happy? It’s truly a crowd-pleaser!

FAQs :

What is Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli?

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli is a delightful dish that combines creamy ricotta cheese, zesty lemon, and fresh broccoli. This pasta recipe is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal. The bright flavors of lemon complement the richness of ricotta, while broccoli adds a nutritious crunch. You can customize it by adding your favorite pasta shape or incorporating other vegetables.

How do I make Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli creamy?

To achieve a creamy consistency in Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli, it’s essential to use high-quality ricotta cheese. Start by mixing the ricotta with lemon juice and zest before combining it with the cooked pasta. Adding reserved pasta water gradually helps create a smooth sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. Stirring in olive oil also enhances the creaminess while offering a rich flavor.

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! While broccoli is a star ingredient in Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli, feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Asparagus, spinach, or peas work wonderfully as alternatives. You can sauté them alongside broccoli or add them at different stages of cooking for varied textures. This flexibility makes the dish versatile and allows you to enjoy seasonal produce.

How can I store leftover Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli?

To store leftover Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on low heat in a saucepan or microwave. If the pasta appears dry upon reheating, you can add a splash of olive oil or a little reserved pasta water to restore its creaminess and flavor.

Conclusion for Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli :

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli is a simple yet flavorful dish that shines on any dinner table. Its creamy texture from ricotta combined with the zing of lemon creates a delightful taste experience. This recipe is adaptable, allowing you to incorporate various vegetables based on what’s in season. Whether you’re preparing dinner for family or impressing guests, this pasta dish offers both nutrition and satisfaction in every bite. Enjoy this quick meal that celebrates vibrant flavors!

Print

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli

• Author: Christina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Delight in the creamy goodness of Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli, a quick and vibrant dish that harmonizes fresh flavors and textures for an unforgettable meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. 1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. 2. Prepare the Broccoli: Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the pot during the last two minutes of pasta cooking time.
3. 3. Drain and Reserve Water: Drain pasta and broccoli in a colander, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
4. 4. Mix Together: In the same pot, combine drained pasta and broccoli with ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined, adding reserved pasta water gradually for desired creaminess.
5. 5. Add Parmesan: Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and toss everything together until well mixed.
6. 6. Serve: Transfer servings onto plates or into bowls, finishing with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

---

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 63g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Feel free to swap out broccoli for spinach or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. For added crunch, consider sprinkling toasted pine nuts over the dish before serving.