Description
Bright, creamy, and ready in under 30 minutes, Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula is the perfect easy dinner for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. This quick pasta recipe combines whole milk ricotta, fresh lemon zest, peppery arugula, and perfectly cooked rigatoni for a light yet comforting meal. It is a simple pasta dish packed with fresh flavor and ideal for anyone searching for dinner ideas, easy recipes, and comforting food ideas.
Ingredients
12 ounces rigatoni pasta
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh arugula
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Whisk together ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
3. Add hot drained pasta to the ricotta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4. Slowly add reserved pasta water while tossing until the sauce becomes silky and creamy.
5. Fold in fresh arugula and allow it to wilt slightly from the heat.
6. Serve immediately topped with extra parmesan and optional red pepper flakes.
Notes
1. Allow ricotta to come to room temperature before mixing for the smoothest sauce.
2. Do not skip reserving pasta water because the starch helps create a creamy texture without heavy cream.
3. Add arugula at the end to preserve its fresh flavor and vibrant color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: easy dinner, pasta recipe, creamy lemon pasta, ricotta pasta, quick dinner ideas