Best Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta – 25-Minute Flavor-Packed Dinner

There’s something magical about a creamy, lemony pasta dish that comes together effortlessly. Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Red Peppers and Spinach is the perfect balance of richness and freshness—comfort food with a bright, zesty twist! The ricotta makes it luxuriously creamy, the lemon adds a refreshing tang, and the roasted red peppers bring a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spinach.

Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that feels fancy enough for guests, this pasta is a winner. Best of all? It’s ready in under 30 minutes with simple, wholesome ingredients. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Super Creamy Without Heavy Cream – The ricotta creates a velvety sauce without feeling too heavy
Bright & Refreshing – Lemon zest and juice add the perfect touch of freshness
Loaded with Veggies – Roasted red peppers and spinach make this both nutritious and flavorful
Quick & Easy – A simple, delicious meal in just 25 minutes
Perfect for Any Occasion – Light enough for a summer dinner, cozy enough for a fall meal

What Does This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta Taste Like?

This pasta is light, creamy, and bursting with flavor. The ricotta cheese gives it a rich, smooth texture, while the lemon zest and juice brighten everything up. Roasted red peppers add a mild sweetness, balancing the slight tang from the Parmesan. The spinach wilts beautifully into the warm pasta, adding a touch of earthiness. Every bite is creamy, citrusy, and perfectly seasoned!

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

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1 lb rigatoni pasta – Holds the creamy sauce perfectly
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese – Creates a luscious, velvety texture
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, umami richness
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced – Slightly sweet, smoky, and full of flavor
1 tablespoon lemon zest – Brightens up the dish
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice – Brings a refreshing tang
2 cups fresh spinach – Wilts into the pasta for added nutrition
Salt and black pepper, to taste – Enhances all the flavors
Olive oil, for serving – A drizzle adds the perfect finishing touch
Fresh parsley, chopped for serving – For a pop of freshness

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large pot for boiling pasta
Mixing bowl for the ricotta mixture
Large skillet or saucepan
Tongs or a wooden spoon for stirring
Microplane or zester for lemon zest

How to Make Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

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1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water—you’ll need this to create the creamy sauce.

2. Make the Ricotta Sauce

While the pasta cooks, whisk together ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Set aside.

3. Sauté the Spinach and Roasted Red Peppers

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Toss in the sliced roasted red peppers and cook for 1–2 minutes. Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 more minutes.

4. Combine Everything

Reduce heat to low. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the spinach and peppers. Pour in the ricotta mixture and ½ cup of reserved pasta water, stirring quickly to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If needed, add more pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

Divide the pasta into bowls and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for the perfect finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What to Serve with Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Garlic Bread – The ultimate side for soaking up the creamy sauce
Crisp Green Salad – A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully
Grilled Chicken or Shrimp – For extra protein, add a side of grilled chicken or shrimp
Chilled White Wine – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the citrusy flavors

Tips for the Best Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Use Whole Milk Ricotta – It’s creamier and richer than part-skim ricotta
Don’t Skip the Pasta Water – This helps create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce
Adjust the Lemon to Taste – If you love extra tang, add more lemon juice!
Serve Immediately – This pasta is best enjoyed fresh while warm and creamy

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce
Not Recommended for Freezing: The ricotta-based sauce may become grainy when frozen

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! While rigatoni holds the sauce well, penne, fusilli, or farfalle work great too

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the ricotta sauce and roasted red peppers in advance to save time

What can I use instead of ricotta?

If you don’t have ricotta, mascarpone or cottage cheese blended until smooth are good substitutes

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—chickpea or brown rice pasta works well

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Give This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta a Try!

This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Red Peppers and Spinach is the perfect mix of rich, tangy, and fresh flavors. It’s a quick, easy meal that feels fancy enough for a special occasion but simple enough for busy weeknights.

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments! Share your delicious creation on Pinterest and tag me—I’d love to see your take on it!

More Delicious Pasta Recipes to Try

Roasted Red Pepper Cottage Cheese Dip – A creamy, protein-packed dip with bold roasted red pepper flavor
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta – A cheesy, meaty pasta dish that’s pure comfort food
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter – A rich, buttery pasta loaded with beef and melted cheese

Enjoy your pasta night! 🍋✨

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