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Recipe•Side Dishes•🟢 Easy

Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula

Discover how to make Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula. A delicious recipe with detailed instructions.

⏱ Cooking Timer

12:00

Minutes : Seconds

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Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula - Step 2

Ingredients

Instructions

1

Step 1

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

2

Step 2

2. While the pasta cooks, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

3

Step 3

3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

4

Step 4

4. Immediately add the hot pasta to the ricotta mixture and toss vigorously to coat, adding reserved pasta water 1/4 cup at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

5

Step 5

5. Add the chopped arugula and Parmesan cheese, tossing until the arugula wilts slightly from the heat of the pasta.

6

Step 6

6. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

7

Step 7

7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula - Step 3

Chef's Notes

Use high-quality ricotta for the best creamy texture and flavor - look for fresh ricotta at specialty stores or Italian markets

Reserve extra pasta water as you may need more than 1 cup to achieve the perfect silky consistency

Add the arugula to the hot pasta just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and peppery bite

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta as a light main course with a side of garlic bread and a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio. It also works beautifully as a first course before grilled fish or chicken. The bright lemon flavor makes it perfect for spring and summer entertaining.