Bow Tie Pasta With Lemon Ricotta

Name: Bow Tie Pasta With Lemon Ricotta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 250g bow tie pasta; 1 cup ricotta cheese; Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Light Kitchen Classics

I absolutely love making this Bow Tie Pasta with Lemon Ricotta! It’s a delightful dish that combines the unique shape of bow tie pasta with the creamy texture of lemon-infused ricotta. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the bright zest of lemon elevated the richness of the ricotta cheese, creating a balanced and refreshing meal. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings or a weekend gathering with friends. I'm excited to share this delightful recipe with you!

Created by

Erin Wallace

Last updated on 2026-02-23T23:28:46.579Z

When I first made Bow Tie Pasta with Lemon Ricotta, I was searching for a dish that felt light yet satisfying. The combination of creamy ricotta and zesty lemon was simply magical! I decided to sauté some garlic at the beginning, which infused the oil and added a wonderful depth of flavor that took this dish to another level.

It was a hit with my family, and I love how quickly it came together. Using fresh lemon juice and zest is key—I learned that it brightens the entire dish! If you want to impress your guests, this is definitely the recipe to make.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright and refreshing lemon flavor that elevates the pasta
Creamy ricotta cheese adds a luxurious texture
Quick and easy recipe perfect for any occasion

Understanding the Role of Ingredients

The beauty of this Bow Tie Pasta with Lemon Ricotta lies in its simplicity, which makes the quality of each ingredient crucial. The ricotta cheese is not just a creamy base but also carries the lemon's vibrant flavor throughout the dish. For the best outcome, opt for whole milk ricotta as it contributes to a silkier, richer sauce. If you can find fresh ricotta, don't hesitate to use it; the flavor is unparalleled and will elevate the dish significantly.

Lemon is the star ingredient here. Both the zest and juice are essential; the zest adds a fragrant aroma and a pop of color, while the juice brightens and balances the richness of the ricotta. When selecting your lemon, look for ones that are firm and heavy for their size, as these typically contain more juice. If you’re in a pinch, a splash of high-quality bottled lemon juice can substitute, but fresh is always best for flavor.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Texture

Cooking pasta correctly is key to achieving the desired texture in this dish. Rather than cooking until soft, aim for al dente, which means the pasta should have a slight bite to it. This not only prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce but also helps it to hold up better while serving. Remember to salt your boiling water generously; it should taste like the sea, as this is your only chance to flavor the pasta itself.

While combining the pasta with the lemon ricotta sauce, be careful not to over-stir. Gently fold the ingredients together so that the pasta remains intact and the sauce coats each piece evenly. The reserved pasta water is a magical ingredient that helps emulsify the sauce, creating a creamy consistency. Start by adding a small amount and gradually increase until you reach your desired creaminess—aim for a luscious, glossy finish.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious bowl of Bow Tie Pasta with Lemon Ricotta:

Ingredients

250g bow tie pasta
1 cup ricotta cheese
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you're set to create a delicious meal!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Bow Tie Pasta with Lemon Ricotta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the ricotta, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir to combine, adding reserved pasta water gradually until you reach a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and optionally more lemon zest. Enjoy your meal!

Your delicious Bow Tie Pasta with Lemon Ricotta is now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in some sautéed vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes. Also, using high-quality ricotta can make a significant difference in taste.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Bow Tie Pasta with Lemon Ricotta can be a great dish to prepare ahead of time. You can cook the pasta and prepare the ricotta sauce in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. To reheat, combine the pasta and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce and revive its creamy texture. This way, you’ll save time on busy nights without sacrificing flavor.

If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Note that the pasta may absorb the moisture from the sauce over time, so revitalizing it with a splash of additional olive oil or pasta water during reheating is recommended. Freezing this dish is not ideal, as the creamy ricotta can separate upon thawing, but if needed, reassemble the main ingredients—pasta, ricotta sauce, and lemon flavors—from scratch.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta dish is incredibly versatile and can serve as a standalone meal or a delicious side dish. To enhance the flavor further, consider adding grilled vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. These not only add color but also contribute fresh elements that complement the lemon and ricotta beautifully. Alternatively, you can include protein, like grilled chicken or shrimp, for a heartier option.

For an elevated presentation, serve the pasta in elegant bowls and finish with an additional sprinkle of fresh lemon zest and freshly cracked black pepper. A light dusting of grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese can also be delightful. Pair this dish with a simple arugula salad or crusty garlic bread to round out a delicious, well-balanced meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape can work, but I recommend using one that holds sauce well.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

You can prepare the components separately and mix them just before serving to keep the pasta from getting mushy.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use vegan ricotta or a tofu-based ricotta substitute for a plant-based option.

→ What can I serve with this pasta dish?

It pairs well with a simple salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.