Creamy Ricotta Pea Pasta Recipe: A Silky Spring Comfort Dish

Weeknight dinners demand quick and mouthwatering solutions like this creamy ricotta pea pasta that comes together in minutes.

pasta lovers appreciate simple ingredients crafted into extraordinary meals.

Fresh green peas add vibrant color and sweet bursts of flavor throughout each twirling forkful.

Mediterranean influences shine through the silky ricotta coating delicate noodles with luxurious smoothness.

Comfort meets elegance in this surprisingly easy dish that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Rich cheese and tender vegetables create a harmonious blend promising satisfaction in every bite.

You’ll want to savor each creamy spoonful and share this delightful recipe with everyone at your table.

Why Creamy Ricotta Pea Pasta Is a Light Yet Filling Meal

• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delightful pasta in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Smooth, mild flavors and vibrant green peas make this pasta a hit with children, while still satisfying adult taste buds with its creamy texture and subtle richness.
• One-Pot Convenience: Simplify your cooking process by preparing pasta and peas in the same pot, minimizing cleanup and making mealtime stress-free for home cooks.

Ricotta Pea Pasta Essentials

• Pasta: Classic base for this creamy dish, prefer short shapes like penne or fusilli for better sauce holding.
• Dry Pasta: Best with semolina wheat varieties for authentic texture.

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, smooth Italian cheese creating rich and creamy sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth and traditional Italian flavor notes.

• Green Peas: Sweet, tender vegetable providing fresh burst of color and light sweetness.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient delivering warm, pungent undertones to the overall dish.

• Salt: Essential for bringing out ingredient flavors and balancing dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and complementary spice to creamy sauce.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity fat that helps blend ingredients and adds subtle richness.

• Fresh Basil: Bright herb offering fragrant, fresh finish to the pasta dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides optional spicy kick for those wanting extra heat.

Ricotta Pea Pasta Creamy Prep Steps

Step 1: Boil Salty Water

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous sprinkle of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, creating a bubbling liquid ready for pasta.

Step 2: Cook Pasta and Peas

Drop the pasta into the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

During the final minute of cooking, toss in the peas to warm them through and blend their fresh flavor with the pasta.

Step 3: Prepare Pasta Water

Before draining, carefully scoop out a half cup of the starchy cooking water.

This liquid gold will help create a silky sauce later.

Drain the pasta and peas in a colander, giving them a gentle shake to remove excess water.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, dollop in fresh ricotta cheese.

Add the hot pasta and peas directly on top of the cheese.

The residual heat will help melt the ricotta, creating a luxurious, creamy coating.

Step 5: Blend and Season

Gently toss the pasta, peas, and ricotta together.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

• Freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of salt
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh herbs (like basil or parsley)

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the creamy pasta to serving plates.

For an extra touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan and herbs on top.

Serve immediately while the dish is warm and inviting.

Creamy Ricotta Pea Pasta Cooking Hints

• Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a perfect chewy bite and prevent mushy results.
• Always reserve pasta water before draining, as its starchy consistency helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings beautifully to noodles.
• Toss peas into boiling pasta during the final minute of cooking to preserve their bright green color and maintain a crisp, fresh texture.
• Gently warm ricotta at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smoother, more spreadable consistency that blends seamlessly with pasta.
• Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go to build layers of flavor without overwhelming the delicate ricotta and sweet pea notes.

Ricotta Pea Pasta That Reheats Smoothly

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Sprinkle a few tablespoons of pasta water or milk to restore creamy texture. Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of pasta water or cream to prevent drying and restore smoothness.
• Ricotta-based sauces tend to separate and lose their creamy consistency when frozen, so best enjoyed fresh within a few days.

What to Enjoy With Ricotta Pea Pasta

• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Pair this light, creamy pasta with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the delicate pea and ricotta flavors.
• Brighten with Lemony Side Salad: Create a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the ricotta and add a fresh, peppery contrast.
• Enhance with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or mint over the pasta to elevate the green pea notes and add a burst of aromatic freshness.
• Crunch with Toasted Pine Nuts: Top the dish with lightly toasted pine nuts to introduce a nutty texture and provide a delightful crunch against the creamy sauce.

Ricotta Pea Pasta – Other Tasty Additions

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free spaghetti or penne made from rice, corn, or quinoa flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Version: Swap ricotta with silken tofu blended with nutritional yeast, using plant-based milk to create a creamy sauce and adding cashew cheese for extra richness.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, keeping the peas and using a lighter ricotta mixture to maintain the dish's original essence.
• Protein-Packed Option: Mix in grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed shrimp to boost protein content and add more substantial flavor to the creamy pasta.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this pasta sauce creamy?

Ricotta cheese provides the creamy base, creating a smooth and light sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. The reserved pasta water helps thin the ricotta and create a silky texture.

• Can I use frozen peas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen peas work great and are actually convenient. They can be added directly to the boiling pasta during the last minute of cooking, just like fresh peas.

• Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This pasta recipe is vegetarian-friendly. It contains no meat and can be easily prepared with simple, fresh ingredients like ricotta, peas, and pasta.

• How can I add more protein to this pasta?

You can enhance the protein content by adding grilled chicken, pan-seared shrimp, or sprinkling some toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds on top of the finished dish.

Creamy Ricotta Pea Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky ricotta pea pasta dances with spring’s freshest flavors, creating a light Mediterranean-inspired dish. Green peas and smooth ricotta blend perfectly, delivering comfort and elegance in each delightful forkful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (rigatoni, fusilli, or orecchiette)
• 1 cup (150 grams) peas (fresh or frozen)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup (250 grams) whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) reserved pasta water

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Drizzle of olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a spacious cooking vessel, bringing it to a rolling boil.
2. Submerge pasta into the turbulent water, allowing it to dance and cook until achieving a perfect al dente texture as specified by the packaging guidelines.
3. During the final minute of pasta’s culinary transformation, introduce vibrant green peas directly into the bubbling liquid, allowing them to warm through and brighten.
4. Extract a precious half-cup of starchy pasta water, preserving its liquid gold potential for later sauce enhancement, then carefully drain the pasta and peas into a colander.
5. While pasta rests momentarily, create a luxurious sauce by whisking ricotta cheese until smooth and silky, introducing freshly cracked black pepper and a whisper of zesty lemon zest.
6. Gently fold the warm pasta and peas into the creamy ricotta mixture, using reserved pasta water to orchestrate a harmonious, velvety consistency that clings seductively to each pasta strand.
7. Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or chives, and finish with a delicate dusting of grated parmesan to add depth and complexity to this elegant pasta creation.

Notes

• Drain pasta and peas carefully to maintain their vibrant green color and prevent overcooking.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Opt for whole milk ricotta for a creamier, more luxurious texture that coats the pasta perfectly.
• Consider adding crispy pancetta or bacon bits for a delightful crunch and extra savory dimension to the vegetarian base.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg