Ricotta isn’t just for lasagna. This creamy ricotta pasta with broccolini transforms a simple container of cheese and bag of penne into a quick and comforting meal that feels far more indulgent than the effort it requires.

There’s something so transformative about ricotta cheese. Mild and humble on its own, it becomes a rich, velvety pasta sauce with little more than a splash of pasta water, a hint of lemon and a handful of Parmesan. Tossed with tender broccolini and your favourite pasta, this simple dish is proof that a comforting, restaurant-worthy meal can come together with ingredients you may already have in your fridge.

Ingredients for Creamy Ricotta Pasta with Broccolini

  • 1 pkg pasta
  • 1 tbsp of kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 shallots, minced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 6 stalks of broccolini, chopped, or small broccoli florets
  • zest of 1/2 a lemon
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
  • salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions for Creamy Ricotta Pasta with Broccolini

Bring a large pot of water to boil, then add kosher salt and return to a boil. Add pasta and cook 2 min shy of the package's recommended cooking time (it will finish cooking in a later step). Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water and set aside. Drain pasta.

Meanwhile, to a large skillet, add olive oil and heat over medium-high. Add shallots and broccolini, then sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook until tender-crisp. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute.

Add ricotta, lemon zest and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, stirring until creamy. (You may have to add a bit more water to get the desired consistency; just do this gradually so it doesn't become too soup, about a tbsp at a time.)

Add pasta, stirring until well-coated with sauce. Turn off heat and add Parmesan while continuing to stir. Ladle into warmed bowls and top with more Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.

Find more of Pamela's gluten free recipes at PamelasGlutenFreeRecipes.com.