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Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli
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4.82 from 33 votes

20 Minute Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Broccoli comes together in 1 pot for a delicious, streamlined dinner. Add chicken or shrimp for a guaranteed family favorite.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Dinner, Entree
Cuisine: American, Italian
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 6

Equipment

  • Large stockpot or Dutch oven

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. dry rigatoni (or pasta of choice)
  • 4 to 5 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon zest, plus 3 Tbsp. lemon juice (from 1 to 2 lemons)
  • 1/2 to 1 tsp. chili flakes (depending on desired heat level)
  • 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Optional

  • Sauteed boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
  • Sauteed shrimp

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add pasta. When pasta is about 3 to 4 minutes shy of al dente, add broccoli florets. Continue cooking until pasta is al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking liquid before draining pasta and broccoli.
    Add drained pasta and broccoli back to pot and place back on burner with heat turned OFF.
  • Add ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest and juice, chili flakes, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta cooking liquid. Stir well until the sauce comes together and clings to the noodles. Stir in additional pasta cooking liquid as needed to reach desired level of creaminess (I always use the full 1 cup).
    If adding cooked chicken or shrimp, stir in now.
  • Divide pasta into 6 bowls and garnish with extra cracked black pepper and Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

  • Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Leftover pasta may be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, in a covered pot with a lid, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water to help rehydrate the sauce.
    • Alternatively, you may also microwave pasta in 30 second increments, stopping to stir after reach, until warm. 

Nutrition

Serving: 2cups | Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 480mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3.5g