Name: Ricotta & Herb Pasta with Crispy Breadcrumbs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound short pasta; 1½ cups ricotta; ¾ cup parmesan cheese; 1 lemon; 3 cloves garlic; ½ cup fresh basil; ¼ cup fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 4 tablespoons olive oil; ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons butter

Ricotta & Herb Pasta with Crispy Breadcrumbs

weeknightitalianvegetarianquick

10 minPrep15 minCook4Serves

Ingredients

1 poundshort pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
1½ cupsricotta
¾ cupparmesan cheese
1lemon
3 clovesgarlic
½ cupfresh basil
¼ cupfresh parsley
1 teaspoonkosher salt
½ teaspoonblack pepper
¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes (optional)
4 tablespoonsolive oil
¾ cuppanko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoonsbutter

Prep

01
Zest 1 lemon and juice it, setting juice aside for serving.
02
Mince 3 cloves garlic.
03
Roughly chop fresh basil and fresh parsley.

Method

01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
02
While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate; wipe skillet clean.
03
In a large bowl, whisk together ricotta, parmesan, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth.
04
Return the pasta skillet to medium heat. Add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and butter. When melted, add the ricotta mixture and stir until warmed through, about 1 minute.
05
Add cooked pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup pasta water. Toss gently, adding more pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
06
Divide pasta among bowls. Top with crispy breadcrumbs, fresh basil, fresh parsley, and extra parmesan. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Spice Tips

The red pepper flakes add gentle warmth without heat. For more complexity, try a pinch of nutmeg in the ricotta mixture. Fresh mint can replace or complement the basil for a brighter finish. A grind of black pepper on top before serving adds visual appeal and seasoning punch.

This recipe comes together in about 20 minutes total. For a richer sauce, use whole milk ricotta if available. You can add sautéed spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes in step 5 for extra vegetables.