Penne with Ricotta
Elevate your pasta night with this creamy and satisfying Penne with Ricotta recipe, a simple yet elegant dish that combines Italian-inspired flavors in just 30 minutes. Delightfully al dente penne is tossed in a rich, velvety ricotta sauce enhanced with Parmesan cheese, garlic-infused olive oil, and the bright zest of lemon. A splash of reserved pasta water ensures the perfect creamy texture, while fresh basil lends a burst of herbaceous freshness. This comforting yet refined dish is ideal for weeknight meals or casual entertaining, and pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, Penne with Ricotta is your go-to recipe for a cozy Italian feast at home.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 250 grams ricotta cheese
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 120 milliliters reserved pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120ml of pasta water before draining the pasta.
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but do not let it brown.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked, drained penne pasta to the skillet with the garlic. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the garlic-infused oil.
Gradually stir in the ricotta mixture, tossing it gently with the pasta. Add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired creaminess and consistency.
Sprinkle the chopped basil leaves over the pasta and give it a final toss to incorporate all the flavors.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
378 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.3 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.9 g | 45% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 767 mg | 33% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.7 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.0 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.9 g | ||
| Protein | 18.0 g | 36% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 280 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 128 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
