Creamy Homemade Ricotta Zucchini Pasta Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Summer’s bounty meets creamy comfort in this delightful ricotta zucchini pasta recipe that promises to delight your taste buds.

Fresh zucchini mingles effortlessly with smooth ricotta, creating a light yet satisfying meal.

The vibrant green vegetable adds a subtle earthiness to every forkful of pasta.

Each bite brings together simple ingredients with remarkable harmony.

Tender pasta strands carry the rich, silky sauce that clings perfectly to every curve.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this easy and elegant dish.

Dig into a plate that celebrates seasonal freshness and classic Italian flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Make Lemon Ricotta Zucchini Pasta Pop

• Pasta: Choose gluten-free or traditional wheat pasta with good texture for catching sauce; whole wheat varieties add extra nutrition.
• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances overall flavor and provides smooth cooking base.

• Zucchini: Select firm, bright green zucchini without blemishes; can be sliced or shredded depending on preferred texture.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves deliver robust, aromatic flavor; choose firm, plump cloves without sprouts.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice element that adds gentle heat and complexity to the dish.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, soft cheese that creates luxurious sauce; choose full-fat version for richer taste.
• Parmigiano Reggiano: Authentic Italian cheese providing sharp, nutty undertones; always grate fresh for maximum flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus component that lifts entire dish's freshness; use microplane for fine, delicate zesting.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb that adds vibrant, peppery green notes; select bright green leaves without wilting.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing and intensifying overall dish flavor.

Tools to Get Creamy Zucchini Pasta Right

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta after cooking.
• Skillet: Ideal for sautéing zucchini and garlic.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining ricotta and seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Grater: Needed for zesting lemon and grating Parmesan.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps measure salt, pepper, and seasonings accurately.
• Chef's Knife: Used for chopping zucchini and basil.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

How to Prepare Zucchini Pasta with Ricotta

• Pasta Preparation

Boil your chosen pasta until perfectly al dente, carefully saving a splash of the starchy cooking water for later magic.

• Zucchini Transformation

Heat olive oil in a skillet and gently sauté zucchini slices until they become tender and slightly golden, releasing their sweet summer essence.

• Flavor Explosion

Sprinkle minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes into the zucchini, letting them dance and awaken the vegetables with their vibrant personalities.

• Creamy Harmony

In a separate bowl, whisk together ricotta, Parmesan, bright lemon zest, and a whisper of salt and pepper to create a luxurious sauce that promises comfort.

• Final Symphony

Marry the pasta, zucchini, and dreamy ricotta mixture, splashing in reserved cooking water to create a silky, inviting sauce that clings lovingly to every pasta curve.

• Finishing Touch

Scatter fresh basil leaves across the top, letting their emerald green color and fragrant aroma transport your meal from simple to sublime.

Tips for a Bright Lemon Flavor in Pasta

• Replace zucchini with yellow squash or asparagus for a delightful seasonal twist that keeps the recipe exciting and adaptable.
• Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta to transform this light pasta into a hearty main course that satisfies larger appetites.
• Substitute ricotta with cashew cream or silken tofu for a plant-based version that maintains the creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
• Experiment with different fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or chives instead of basil to create unique flavor combinations that surprise and delight your taste buds.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – from a gentle warmth to a fiery kick that adds excitement to every bite.

Plating This Pasta Dish Beautifully

• Herb Garden Delight: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of green color and aromatic finish that elevates the dish's freshness.
• Summer Side Companion: Pair this pasta with a crisp arugula salad dressed in light lemon vinaigrette to complement the zucchini's mild flavor and create a balanced meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a chilled glass of pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc, which will highlight the lemony notes and creamy ricotta texture of the dish.
• Quick Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken strips or sautéed shrimp on top to transform this vegetarian pasta into a more substantial and protein-packed dinner option.

How to Keep Zucchini Pasta Light and Fresh

• Quick Batch Preparation: Make extra portions of this pasta and store in airtight containers for convenient lunches during the week. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Keep leftovers sealed in glass or plastic containers for up to 3-4 days. Separate basil garnish and add when reheating to maintain its bright flavor and crisp texture.
• Freezing Option: This dish can be frozen without basil for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and gently reheat with a splash of water to restore creamy consistency.
• Reheating Technique: Warm pasta in microwave or stovetop using low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a tablespoon of water or extra olive oil to prevent drying and restore original smooth texture.

Creamy Ricotta Zucchini Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy ricotta zucchini pasta brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques create a light, satisfying meal that delights home cooks with its elegant simplicity.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) pasta (gluten-free if desired)
• 1 cup (227 g) ricotta cheese
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced or shredded
• ¼ cup (25 g) Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, torn
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil pasta in salted water until perfectly al dente, setting aside a cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Zucchini Sautéing: In a spacious skillet, heat olive oil and transform zucchini into delicate half-moons, cooking until golden and tender with a slight caramelization.
3. Aromatic Enhancement: Infuse the skillet with minced garlic and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, releasing their intense flavors without burning.
4. Creamy Ricotta Blend: Whisk ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and thoroughly combined.
5. Pasta Integration: Transfer cooked pasta into the zucchini skillet, gently folding the ricotta mixture and gradually introducing reserved pasta water to craft a luxurious, velvety sauce that elegantly embraces each pasta strand.
6. Finishing Touch: Scatter torn basil leaves across the dish and serve piping hot, optionally crowning with an additional dusting of Parmesan for heightened indulgence.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve starchy cooking water to create a silky, creamy sauce that helps ingredients bind smoothly.
• Zucchini Sauté Tip: Slice zucchini uniformly and cook briefly to maintain crisp texture and prevent mushiness.
• Garlic Fragrance Alert: Sauté garlic quickly to release aroma without burning, which can create bitter undertones.
• Cheese Mixing Technique: Whisk ricotta and Parmesan thoroughly to ensure a smooth, lump-free base for the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg