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Lemony Ricotta Pasta with Shrimp Recipe

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4.3 from 85 reviews

This Lemony Ricotta Pasta Sauce with Shrimp is a vibrant and creamy pasta dish bursting with fresh flavors. Creamy ricotta and Parmesan blended with bright lemon juice create a luscious sauce that perfectly complements tender, seasoned shrimp. Quick to prepare, this dish combines simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Cheese

  • 12 ounces short-shaped pasta
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • ½ cup chopped basil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 pinch chili flakes

Shrimp and Oil

  • 1 ½ lb shrimp
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
  2. Prepare Ricotta Sauce: While the water is heating, whisk together ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until combined.
  3. Optional Blending: For a smoother texture, blend the ricotta mixture until creamy using a blender or food processor. This step is optional and depends on preference.
  4. Season Shrimp: In another medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes to evenly coat.
  5. Cook Shrimp: Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn opaque and are cooked through, about 3 minutes.
  6. Toss Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and ricotta sauce to the pan with the shrimp. Slowly pour in some of the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency; not all the water may be needed. Stir in chopped basil and mix everything to combine thoroughly.
  7. Serve Immediately: Plate the pasta right away while warm, garnished with extra basil if desired for a fresh touch.

Notes

  • Blending the ricotta sauce smooth is optional but helps create a silkier texture.
  • Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency without thinning out the flavor.
  • Use fresh shrimp for the best taste and texture, but thawed frozen shrimp works well too.
  • Short-shaped pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works best to hold the creamy sauce.
  • Adjust chili flakes to taste for desired heat level.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/lemony-ricotta-pasta-with-shrimp-recipe/