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One-Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon: A Delightfully Simple Recipe

In the world of cooking, simplicity often yields the most rewarding results. One-pot meals, in particular, have gained popularity for their ease of preparation and minimal clean-up, making them a favourite among busy home cooks. One such delightful dish is One-Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon, a recipe that not only tantalises the taste buds but also showcases the freshness of its ingredients.

A Brief Overview

This dish marries the creamy richness of ricotta with the zesty brightness of lemon, resulting in a comforting yet refreshing meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in the way all the ingredients come together in just one pot, allowing the pasta to absorb all the flavours as it cooks. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this dish promises to deliver on flavour without demanding too much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For this One-Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon, you’ll need:

• 250g pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine work beautifully)
• 250g fresh ricotta cheese
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 600ml vegetable or chicken stock
• 100g fresh spinach (or any leafy greens of your choice)
• 50g grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• A generous drizzle of olive oil
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley) for garnish

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Begin by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, until fragrant but not browned. This will form the aromatic base of your dish.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Next, add the pasta to the pot along with the vegetable or chicken stock, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer. Cook according to the pasta package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches

Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, it’s time to stir in the fresh spinach. Continue to stir until the spinach wilts and the pasta reaches a creamy consistency. Remove the pot from the heat and fold in the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan. The warmth of the pasta will soften the ricotta, creating a luscious, creamy sauce.

Step 4: Serve

Taste your pasta and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs, extra Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil. A sprinkling of cracked black pepper adds an exquisite finishing flourish.

Additional Tips

• Vegetable Varieties: Feel free to incorporate seasonal vegetables such as peas, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes to diversify the flavours and add colour to your dish.
• Herb Infusion: For an added layer of flavour, consider infusing the olive oil with herbs like thyme or rosemary before adding the garlic. This not only enriches the overall profile but also elevates the dish to a new level.
• Vegan Variation: For a vegan alternative, substitute ricotta with a store-bought plant-based ricotta or make your own using blended cashews and nutritional yeast.

Conclusion

One-Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon is an exemplary dish that embodies comfort, ease, and freshness. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner or a delightful meal to impress guests without the hassle of too many pans to wash. With its creamy texture and zesty flavour, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So why not give it a try? You might just find your new favourite pasta dish. Bon appétit!

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