Delightful One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Rigatoni Recipe

Imagine a warm, sunny afternoon where the scent of zesty lemon wafts through your kitchen, mingling with creamy ricotta like old friends. The vibrant hues of fresh basil and bright lemon zest dance before your eyes while the luscious rigatoni awaits its flavorful embrace. creamy spaghetti with spinach This One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Rigatoni isn’t just a meal; it’s an invitation to indulge in simple pleasures, reminding you that deliciousness can be achieved without a culinary degree.

Now picture your loved ones gathering around the table, their eager faces lighting up as you present this dish. It’s not just a dinner; it’s an experience filled with laughter and joy, where every bite brings a smile and compliments are thrown around like confetti. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a festive gathering, this dish makes any occasion feel special.

I vividly remember the first time I served this dish at a family gathering; my uncle proclaimed it “life-changing” between mouthfuls.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Rigatoni Pasta: Choose high-quality pasta for the best texture; al dente is key to holding the sauce well.
• Fresh Ricotta Cheese: Opt for creamy ricotta; it adds richness and balances the acidity of lemon beautifully. creamy broccoli alfredo ravioli.
• Fresh Lemons: Use zesty lemons; both juice and zest bring brightness to each bite, enhancing flavors immensely.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential; it infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth of flavor. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
• Fresh Basil: Use fragrant basil leaves for garnish; they add color and a delightful herbal note that complements the dish. herb roasted vegetables.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor; use it to sauté garlic and drizzle over the finished dish.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste; they elevate all flavors in this simple yet elegant recipe.

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

Let’s Make it together

• Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools: a large pot for boiling pasta, a colander for draining, and a mixing bowl for combining ingredients.
• Bring salted water to a boil in your large pot. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente—around 10-12 minutes should do! Stir occasionally so they don’t stick together.
• While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes—taking care not to let it brown too much because burnt garlic tastes like sadness.
• Once drained, return rigatoni to the pot. Lower heat and stir in ricotta cheese along with lemon juice and zest until creamy. The pasta should glisten like it just won “Best Dressed” at an award show.
• Add salt and pepper gradually while tasting—each pinch should enhance but not overwhelm! Toss in fresh basil leaves last for that pop of color and aroma that screams “Eat me!”
• Plate your One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Rigatoni hot from the stove. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired, garnish with more basil or lemon zest for flair—and enjoy your culinary masterpiece! For more inspiration, check out this no-bake lemon icebox pie recipe.

This One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Rigatoni brings together simplicity and flavor in an unforgettable way. Each bite bursts with freshness while being rich enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking your rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Meanwhile, prepare the lemon-ricotta sauce in the same pot for maximum flavor absorption.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize by adding sautéed spinach or grilled chicken. You can even swap ricotta for mascarpone for a different texture and taste. coconut milk braised chicken.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water for creaminess.

Creating this One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Rigatoni has become a family favorite, with everyone asking for seconds. The laughter around the table while enjoying this dish adds to its charm.

FAQ

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes, feel free to substitute any pasta shape you have on hand.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well and reheats nicely without losing flavor.

What can I add for extra protein?

Consider adding cooked shrimp or chickpeas for added protein and texture.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Rigatoni

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• Author: Mia Hanry
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the simplicity and deliciousness of One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Rigatoni. This creamy, zesty pasta dish combines fresh ricotta and bright lemon for a delightful flavor experience that comes together in just one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress your loved ones while keeping your kitchen clean.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
• 2 large fresh lemons (juice and zest)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Return the drained rigatoni to the pot. Stir in ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and zest until creamy.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss in fresh basil before plating. Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 30mg