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Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Peas and Prosciutto

creamy lemon ricotta pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy pasta dish featuring a silky lemon-ricotta sauce, sweet peas, and salty prosciutto, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces linguine or fettuccine
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced and roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • A handful fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add about ½ cup of reserved pasta water to loosen the ricotta into a creamy sauce consistency. Set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  4. Add chopped prosciutto and cook until just crisp, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Stir in thawed peas and cook for another 2 minutes until warmed through.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet with prosciutto and peas. Remove skillet from heat.
  7. Pour ricotta-lemon mixture over pasta. Toss gently with tongs to coat evenly, adding more reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky sauce.
  8. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  9. Serve immediately, sprinkled with grated Parmesan and chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Do not overheat the ricotta sauce in the skillet to avoid curdling. Toss pasta off heat for best creaminess. Reserve pasta water is essential for silky sauce consistency. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for brightness. For vegetarian version, omit prosciutto and add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, use vegan ricotta alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon ricotta pasta, creamy pasta, peas, prosciutto, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/creamy-lemon-ricotta-pasta-recipe-with-peas-and-prosciutto-easy-and-perfect/