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A white plate of lemon pasta with ricotta and fresh peas topped with toasted pine nuts and Parmesan cheese

Lemon Pasta with Ricotta and Fresh Peas

A creamy, bright vegetarian pasta made with blended ricotta, peas, lemon, and fresh herbs. Ready in 20 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 965

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb penne, ziti, or rigatoni pasta penne recommended for best sauce coverage
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt for pasta water
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts toasted in dry skillet
  • 2 medium cloves garlic smashed
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley any kind
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried
  • 1.5 cup frozen peas thawed, or use fresh
  • 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese 1 tub, whole milk recommended
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest from 1 large lemon
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice 2 to 3 tbsp to taste
  • 1/4 cup olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • 2 tsp kosher salt for the sauce
  • 3/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup peas fresh or frozen thawed, for assembling
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1-4 tbsp olive oil to drizzle over finished pasta
  • crushed red pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large high sided skillet
  • Food processor or blender
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Set a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove to a plate immediately so they do not keep cooking.
  2. Fill the same skillet with water and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Bring to a full boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 10 minutes or per package directions. Pull the pasta 1 minute before the package says it is done.
  3. While the pasta cooks, make the sauce. Add garlic and parsley to a food processor or blender. Pulse until finely chopped. Add 1 1/2 cups thawed peas, the ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and black pepper. Pulse until just combined with a little texture remaining. Do not blend completely smooth.
  4. Drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the pot. Drizzle with a little olive oil and stir so the pasta does not clump.
  5. Pour the ricotta pea sauce over the pasta and toss until every piece is coated. Fold in the remaining 1 cup of peas and the grated Parmesan. Add another drizzle of olive oil and toss gently.
  6. Serve right away. Top each bowl with toasted pine nuts and crushed red pepper to taste.

Notes

Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest sauce. Do not freeze leftovers as ricotta changes texture when thawed. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil. For added protein, stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or serve alongside grilled chicken. If using fresh peas, taste one first -- if starchy, add them to the pasta water for the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking.