Ricotta Lemon Linguine Peas (Printable Version)

Creamy linguine with ricotta, lemon, and peas, offering fresh spring taste with easy Italian flair.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz linguine

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - Zest of 1 unwaxed lemon
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Dairy

07 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Pantry & Seasoning

09 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Cook linguine following package directions until firm to the bite. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain thoroughly.
02 - While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, allowing aroma to develop without browning.
03 - Add peas to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes, extending slightly for frozen peas, until vibrant green and tender.
04 - In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Stir until fully blended and creamy.
05 - Transfer drained linguine with peas, garlic, and olive oil into the ricotta mixture. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water gradually to achieve a smooth and creamy sauce.
06 - Sprinkle with parsley and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately, garnishing each plate with extra Parmesan and lemon zest, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This pasta is secretly a clever way to coax spring cheer onto your table—even when the weather isn't cooperating.
  • The creamy ricotta and tangy lemon make weeknight dinners feel special and effortless.
02 -
  • Once, I forgot to reserve pasta water and ended up with a sauce that was far too thick—always scoop it out before draining!
  • Lemon zest is easy to overdo; scraping just the outer peel prevents the sauce from tasting bitter.
03 -
  • The difference between bland and incredible is the pasta water—never skip it.
  • Mix your sauce ingredients while the pasta finishes cooking, so everything stays warm and creamy.
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