Print

Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Peas and Crispy Bacon

creamy lemon ricotta pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy pasta dish featuring a bright, creamy lemon ricotta sauce, sweet peas, and crispy bacon for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
  • 1 cup (240 g) whole milk ricotta cheese (small-curd preferred)
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, pinch)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally. Remove bacon and place on paper towels to drain. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In the same skillet with bacon fat, add olive oil if needed, then sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add frozen peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese with lemon zest and juice. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet with peas and garlic. Toss gently to combine, then remove from heat. Spoon in the ricotta-lemon mixture and toss again, slowly adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until sauce is creamy and coats the pasta evenly.
  6. Stir in crispy bacon pieces and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Toss lightly to combine. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick. Use fresh lemon zest and juice for best flavor. For crispier bacon, a cast iron skillet is recommended. For dairy-free, substitute ricotta with plant-based creamy cheese and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon ricotta pasta, creamy pasta, bacon pasta, peas pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/creamy-lemon-ricotta-pasta-recipe-with-peas-and-crispy-bacon-easy-and-perfect/