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Stanley Tucci’s Irresistibly Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Stanley Tucci’s Irresistibly Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Bliss

Stanley Tucci’s Irresistibly Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta is a quick, vegetarian-friendly dish that combines creamy ricotta and zesty lemon for a luxurious experience.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz short pasta (rigatoni or penne) gluten-free option available
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese avoid low-fat
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor
  • 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest zest before juicing
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice adjust to taste
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water for sauce consistency
For the Finishing Touches
  • 2 cups fresh arugula or baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling
  • to taste crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • to taste fresh basil leaves optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add your choice of short pasta and cook until just tender, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Return the empty pot to low heat and add whole milk ricotta cheese, finely grated Parmesan cheese, grated lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Gradually pour in ½ cup of reserved pasta water into the ricotta sauce, stirring continuously until smooth and slightly thick.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Add more reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  5. Turn off the heat and fold in the fresh arugula until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Serve in bowls or on a platter, drizzling with olive oil and sprinkling with crushed red pepper flakes and basil if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For optimal freshness, reheat leftovers gently with a splash of reserved pasta water. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 1 month.

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