Description
Bright, creamy, and effortlessly elegant, Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula is the ultimate quick dinner idea for weeknights or easy entertaining. A perfect blend of zesty lemon, smooth ricotta, and peppery arugula turns basic pantry ingredients into a luxurious yet healthy snack or satisfying vegetarian dinner. If you’re looking for easy recipes that impress, this pasta is a must-try for your dinner ideas rotation.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni or short pasta of choice
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
Zest of 2 lemons
2 tbsp lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh arugula
1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced (optional)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (use as needed)
Extra virgin olive oil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, lemon zest and juice, Parmesan, garlic (if using), red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the hot pasta to the ricotta mixture. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water gradually to form a creamy sauce.
4. Fold in arugula just before serving to keep its texture and freshness.
5. Plate and garnish with more Parmesan, olive oil drizzle, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use good-quality whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
Always reserve pasta water—it’s essential for bringing the sauce together.
Add the arugula at the very end to avoid over-wilting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling & Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: quick dinner, creamy pasta, lemon pasta, ricotta pasta, vegetarian pasta, easy recipe, Stanley Tucci pasta