Creamy Ricotta Fettuccine

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) fettuccine pasta 250g (8.8 oz) fettuccine pasta
• 200g (7 oz) ricotta cheese 200g (7 oz) ricotta cheese
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Handful of fresh basil leaves Handful of fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat: 15g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 55g (3g sugars)
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Reduce the heat to low and add the ricotta cheese to the pan. Stir until the cheese is heated through and becomes creamy.
4. 4.
   Add the lemon zest to the ricotta sauce and stir well to incorporate the flavors.
5. 5.
   Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the pan and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the ricotta sauce.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
9. 9.
   Serve the Creamy Ricotta Fettuccine immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ricotta cheese — Use fresh and high-quality ricotta cheese for the best results. If the ricotta is too dry, you can add a splash of milk to achieve a creamier consistency.
• Lemon zest — Make sure to wash the lemon thoroughly before zesting. Use a microplane or a fine grater to zest the lemon, being careful not to include the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• To make the dish more substantial, you can add sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the ricotta cheese with a little milk or cream before adding it to the pan.
• Freshly grated nutmeg can be added to the sauce for a warm and aromatic flavor.
• To make the dish more indulgent, you can top it with crispy pancetta or bacon crumbles.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Ricotta Fettuccine as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. Garnish each plate with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves for an extra touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, twirl a portion of the Creamy Ricotta Fettuccine onto a serving plate using a fork or tongs. Arrange a few basil leaves on top and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese around the plate. Serve immediately while the dish is still hot.