Creamy Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti with Peas

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups fresh peas (frozen are fine)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water

Steps

1. 1 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of cooking water, then drain.
2. 2 While the pasta cooks, in a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. 3 Add peas to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. 4 Reduce heat to low and stir in ricotta, Parmesan, lemon juice, butter, and a generous amount of black pepper.
5. 5 Toss cooked spaghetti into the skillet. Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.
6. 6 Stir until everything is well combined and the pasta is coated in the sauce.
7. 7 Remove from heat and gently fold in lemon zest.
8. 8 Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and lemon zest if desired.

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon

Variations

• Add grilled shrimp or chicken for a heartier meal.

Substitutions

• Substitute peas with asparagus or spinach for a different veggie twist.

Pairings

• Serve with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling water with lemon wedge.

Nutrition

Tips

• For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based ricotta substitute and omit the butter.
• Fresh peas are ideal, but frozen work perfectly fine and save prep time.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or olive oil to restore creaminess.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and warm crusty bread.

FAQ