If you’re looking for a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor but won’t take all day to prepare, this Creamy Ricotta Pea Pasta is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself, without the hassle of a complicated recipe. The creamy ricotta blends beautifully with the sweetness of the peas, creating a comforting, velvety sauce that coats the pasta just right. Whether you’re feeding the family, cooking for a date night, or just in need of a quick and delicious meal, this pasta will hit the spot every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Creamy Ricotta Pea Pasta is an instant favorite for anyone who loves rich, creamy pasta but without all the heaviness of traditional cream-based sauces. The ricotta cheese creates a smooth, mild base that’s light but still indulgent. The peas add a pop of sweetness and a fun texture that balances out the creaminess. What makes this dish even better is how quickly it comes together—you can have it on the table in about 20 minutes! Plus, it’s super versatile. You can add some fresh herbs, toss in grilled chicken, or even sprinkle a little Parmesan on top for extra flavor. It’s the perfect pasta for any occasion!
You’ll find the full ingredient list below, but here’s a little preview: pasta, ricotta, peas, and a few simple seasonings. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients (Full list of ingredients below)
- Pasta (any type you like)
- Ricotta cheese
- Frozen peas (or fresh, if you prefer)
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Lemon zest
- Fresh basil (optional)
- Salt & pepper
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt your water generously—it really brings out the flavor of the pasta! Once the pasta is cooked al dente, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Peas
In a large pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant but not browned. Next, toss in your peas. If you’re using frozen peas, no need to thaw them first—just throw them straight in the pan. Sauté the peas for about 2-3 minutes until they’re tender and heated through.
Step 3: Make the Ricotta Sauce
Add your ricotta cheese to the pan with the peas and garlic, and stir to combine. The ricotta will melt into a creamy sauce with the help of some reserved pasta water. Gradually add the pasta water, a little at a time, stirring until you reach your desired sauce consistency. You want it to be silky but not too runny. Stir in some lemon zest to brighten up the flavors, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Toss the Pasta with the Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the ricotta sauce and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce needs a little more looseness, just add more pasta water until it reaches the perfect consistency.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the pasta is well-coated in the creamy ricotta sauce, it’s time to serve! Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Pasta water magic: Don’t skip the step of reserving pasta water! It has starch in it, which helps thicken the sauce and makes it stick to the pasta beautifully.
- Customize your peas: If you’re not a fan of peas or want to mix it up, you can swap them out for other veggies like spinach, asparagus, or even roasted mushrooms.
- Lemon zest: This is key to brightening up the dish! Don’t skip it. It adds a fresh, zesty layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the ricotta.
- Creamier sauce: For an even creamier sauce, add a small splash of heavy cream or a bit more ricotta, depending on how indulgent you want it.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Herbs: You can add a handful of fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley for extra flavor. These work especially well if you’re using a more neutral pasta like spaghetti or penne.
- Add protein: If you’re looking to make the dish heartier, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon. It will complement the creamy ricotta and peas perfectly!
- Vegan version: To make this dish vegan, use a plant-based ricotta cheese alternative and skip the Parmesan on top. There are plenty of dairy-free ricotta options available, or you could even make your own with tofu!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Creamy Ricotta Pea Pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or some crusty bread. If you want to add a bit more texture, try serving it alongside roasted vegetables like carrots or zucchini. A nice, tangy green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would also balance out the richness of the pasta. For a little indulgence, pair this dish with a glass of white wine, like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the creamy, zesty flavors.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can either microwave it or warm it in a pan with a splash of pasta water or olive oil to loosen up the sauce. You may need to add a little more seasoning when reheating, as the flavors might mellow out.
4 FAQs
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of ricotta, mascarpone or cream cheese would make great alternatives. They’re both creamy and will give the sauce a similar texture. - Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas will work just as well. Just cook them for a little longer until they’re tender and sweet. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the pasta and sauce components ahead of time and toss them together when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to store the pasta and sauce separately in the fridge. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is not naturally gluten-free, but you can easily make it gluten-free by swapping out regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the type of gluten-free pasta you use.
Conclusion
This Creamy Ricotta Pea Pasta is one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’ve indulged without all the heaviness. It’s creamy, light, and full of flavor, and it’s ready in just 20 minutes! The ricotta gives the sauce a luxurious texture, while the peas add a nice touch of sweetness. Whether you’re making it for yourself or feeding a crowd, this pasta is sure to be a hit. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, special occasions, or even a cozy meal on a cold day, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again!
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Creamy Ricotta Pea Pasta: A Delightfully Simple Yet Flavorful Dish
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian (American Twist)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Ricotta Pea Pasta is a comforting and rich dish that combines creamy ricotta cheese with the sweetness of peas, creating a velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. It’s a light yet indulgent meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special treat!
Ingredients
- Pasta: 8 oz (about 225g) of your choice (spaghetti, penne, or any type you prefer)
- Ricotta cheese: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Frozen peas: 1 cup (or about 150g; you can use fresh peas as well if preferred)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Lemon zest: 1 teaspoon
- Fresh basil: A handful of fresh leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Salt & pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Salt the water generously, then reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Garlic and Peas: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender and heated through.
- Make the Ricotta Sauce: Add ricotta cheese to the pan with peas and garlic. Gradually stir in reserved pasta water to create a smooth sauce. Add lemon zest, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Toss the Pasta with the Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the pan and toss gently to coat in the ricotta sauce. Adjust sauce consistency with more pasta water if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta with fresh basil or Parmesan, if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Pasta water magic: Don’t skip reserving pasta water—it helps thicken the sauce and makes it stick to the pasta.
- Customize your peas: Swap peas for other veggies like spinach, asparagus, or roasted mushrooms if desired.
- Lemon zest: Adds a refreshing layer of flavor and balances the creaminess of the ricotta.
- Creamier sauce: Add a splash of heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg