Indulge in a truly exquisite and satisfying meal that effortlessly combines creamy textures with vibrant flavors: this Lemon Ricotta Linguini with Crispy Pancetta and Sweet Peas. It’s a delightful, robust dinner that comes together in approximately 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights without compromising on gourmet taste.

Lemon Ricotta Linguini with Pancetta and Peas: Your New Favorite Weeknight Pasta

Are you searching for a pasta dish that’s both incredibly simple to prepare and boasts an extraordinary depth of flavor? Look no further than this Lemon Ricotta Linguini with Pancetta and Peas. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a luxurious meal that tastes like it took hours, but is actually ready in a mere 20 minutes. It’s perfect for those evenings when time is short, but your craving for something truly delicious is undeniable.

The magic of this dish lies in its perfect balance of textures and tastes. Fresh garlic and finely chopped red onion lay the aromatic foundation, while the star of the show, creamy whole milk ricotta, creates a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of linguini. A burst of fresh lemon zest and juice adds a bright, zesty counterpoint, lifting the richness of the ricotta and tying all the flavors together. Crispy, savory pancetta provides a delightful crunch and salty kick, expertly complemented by the subtle sweetness and vibrant color of frozen peas. A generous dusting of salty Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding another layer of umami that makes this dish utterly irresistible.

This exquisite pasta isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s quickly become a cherished favorite in our home, celebrated for its satisfying warmth and refreshing zest. We are confident that once you taste this incredible combination, it will swiftly earn a permanent spot in your weekly meal rotation!

Achieving Pasta Perfection with Speed

One of the most remarkable aspects of this Lemon Ricotta Linguini is how effortlessly it comes together. While some pasta dishes demand hours of simmering and meticulous preparation, this recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. The secret to its speed lies in efficient multitasking, allowing you to create a truly delicious meal without being tethered to the stove for extended periods.

Quick Tip for Record-Breaking Dinner Time! For dinner ready in record time, coordinate your cooking. Start boiling the pasta water simultaneously with preparing your sauce. By the time your linguini is al dente, your rich, creamy sauce will be perfectly whisked and ready to embrace the pasta. This synchronized approach ensures that from prep to plate, your delicious meal is ready in roughly 20 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how little time you spend preparing it and how incredibly delicious it tastes!

While we adore elaborate, labor-of-love pasta creations like our Sweet Potato Ricotta Gnocchi and Brandon’s Bucatini Bolognese recipe, this Lemon Ricotta Linguini truly shines for its “easy peasy” nature (pun absolutely intended!). It offers an unparalleled combination of simplicity and gourmet taste, proving that extraordinary meals don’t always require extraordinary effort.

Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Supplies

Crafting this delightful Lemon Ricotta Linguini requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients and a couple of basic kitchen tools. Each component plays a vital role in building the dish’s signature creamy texture, savory depth, and bright, zesty finish. (You can find precise measurements and detailed instructions in the full recipe section below.)

Key Ingredients:

• Linguini pasta: This long, flat pasta is ideal for coating with creamy sauces. Its broad surface area allows the rich ricotta lemon sauce to cling perfectly. Fettuccini or even spaghetti can also be excellent substitutes if linguini isn’t available.
• Olive oil: A refined or lighter olive oil is recommended here due to its higher smoke point, which is better for sautéing the pancetta without burning.
• Uncured diced pancetta: The backbone of the savory flavor and crispy texture. Pancetta, Italian cured pork belly, renders beautifully and adds an unmatched depth. If pancetta is hard to find, good quality thick-cut diced bacon makes a fantastic substitute, though it will impart a slightly smokier flavor.
• Finely chopped shallot: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter, and more delicate onion flavor compared to regular onions. They become wonderfully translucent and fragrant when cooked. Finely diced red onion is an excellent alternative if shallots are not on hand.
• Minced fresh garlic: Garlic is essential for almost any savory dish, and this pasta is no exception. Its pungent aroma and flavor infuse the sauce with warmth. For convenience, keep already peeled garlic cloves in an airtight container in your refrigerator; it’s a game-changer for quick meal prep!
• Whole milk Ricotta cheese: This is a crucial ingredient for achieving the desired creamy, smooth sauce. Using whole milk ricotta ensures a luscious texture. Part-skim or low-fat ricotta varieties can result in a grainy or lumpy sauce, so it’s worth seeking out the full-fat version for the best results.
• Chicken broth: Adds liquid to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency while contributing savory notes. Reserved pasta water, rich in starch, is also an excellent option as it helps emulsify the sauce beautifully.
• Fresh lemon zest: The zest provides an intense, aromatic burst of lemon flavor without the acidity of the juice. Always use fresh zest for the most vibrant taste.
• Fresh lemon juice: Balances the richness of the ricotta and pancetta with its bright, tangy acidity. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is paramount for the best flavor.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty, and savory depth. Always grate your own Parmesan for superior flavor and texture compared to pre-grated varieties.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water and the sauce to taste, enhancing all the other flavors.
• Fresh ground black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and aromatic finish to the dish.
• Frozen sweet peas: These delicate, sweet peas add a wonderful pop of color, a touch of sweetness, and a soft texture. They cook quickly and are a delightful contrast to the rich sauce and crispy pancetta.

Essential Kitchen Supplies:

• Large pot: For boiling your linguini to al dente perfection.
• Large skillet: A spacious skillet is crucial for sautéing the pancetta and then building the rich, creamy sauce.

Crafting Your Lemon Ricotta Linguini with Pancetta and Peas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to bring this incredibly flavorful and satisfying pasta dish to life in just 20 minutes. Precision and timing are key to achieving that perfect creamy consistency and balance of tastes.

• Step 1: Cook the Pasta. Begin by cooking your linguini pasta according to the package directions. It’s crucial to cook it until it’s al dente – meaning it’s firm to the bite, not mushy. This ensures the pasta retains a pleasant texture when mixed with the sauce. Drain the pasta well, reserving about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before discarding the rest, as this can be used to adjust sauce consistency later.
• Step 2: Crisp the Pancetta. While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced pancetta and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown and become delightfully crisp. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
• Step 3: Build the Aromatics. To the skillet with the crispy pancetta, add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic. Sauté for another 3 minutes, or until the shallot softens and becomes translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
• Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce Base. Reduce the heat to low. This is important to prevent the ricotta from clumping. Whisk in the whole milk ricotta cheese, chicken broth (or reserved pasta water), fresh lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Continue whisking gently until the mixture is well incorporated and wonderfully creamy and smooth.

• Step 5: Season and Enhance. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it has fully melted into the sauce, making it even richer. Taste the sauce and season generously with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. Remember, proper seasoning is key to bringing out all the flavors.
• Step 6: Add the Peas. Incorporate the frozen sweet peas into the sauce. Stir often for a few minutes until the peas are heated through and their vibrant green color shines.

• Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce. Gently add the cooked linguini pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce.

• Step 8: Toss and Adjust Consistency. Stir everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the luxurious sauce. If the sauce appears too thick or absorbs too much liquid, add a splash more chicken broth or the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.

• Step 9: Garnish and Serve. Serve immediately, garnished with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a final delicate flourish of fresh lemon zest to brighten the flavors even further.

Serving Suggestions and Recipe Variations

This Lemon Ricotta Linguini with Pancetta and Peas is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but it can also be beautifully complemented by a few simple additions. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to add freshness, or with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce. For a perfect beverage pairing, a dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would be delightful.

Looking to customize this recipe? Here are a few popular variations:

• Add More Veggies: Stir in fresh spinach at the very end until just wilted, or blanched asparagus tips for extra greenery and nutrients.
• Protein Boost: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken breast strips, pan-seseared shrimp, or even flaky baked salmon to the finished pasta.
• Herbaceous Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil just before serving can add another layer of aromatic complexity.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic and shallots can give the dish a subtle, warming kick.
• Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the pancetta and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can replace the savory element with sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms.

Storage and Reheating Tips

While this pasta dish is undeniably best enjoyed fresh, leftovers are still wonderfully delicious when stored and reheated properly.

Storage: Store any leftover Lemon Ricotta Linguini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This prevents the pasta from drying out and helps maintain its flavor profile.

Reheating on the Stove: For the best results, reheat the pasta in a saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream (about 1-2 tablespoons per serving) to help rehydrate the sauce and bring back its creamy texture. Stir frequently until the pasta is heated through. This method helps the sauce become creamy again without it separating or drying out.

Reheating in the Microwave: Leftovers can also be reheated in a covered microwave-safe dish. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until heated through. Covering the dish while reheating helps to trap and retain moisture, ensuring the sauce remains creamy and the pasta doesn’t become dry.

Lemon Ricotta Linguini with Pancetta and Peas Recipe

Embrace the simplicity and elegance of this stunning Lemon Ricotta Linguini with Pancetta and Peas. It’s a testament to how quickly you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• Author: The BakerMama
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Description: Dive into a creamy, satisfying meal with this Lemon Ricotta Linguini with Pancetta and Peas. It’s an easy, flavorful dinner ready in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound (8 ounces) linguini pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup uncured diced pancetta (4 ounces)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped shallot
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk Ricotta cheese (about 1 and 3/4 cup)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
• Zest of a large lemon
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnishing
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup frozen sweet peas
• Extra lemon zest, for garnishing

Instructions

1. Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook for 5 minutes or until starting to brown and crisp. Add the chopped shallot and minced garlic, cook for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Reduce heat to low and whisk in the ricotta cheese, chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well incorporated and creamy. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
4. Add the frozen peas to the sauce and stir often until the peas are heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth or reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired creamy thickness.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with more Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon zest for a vibrant finish.

If you create this delicious Lemon Ricotta Linguini with Pancetta and Peas, be sure to capture a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see your wonderful creation! If you’re active on Facebook, don’t hesitate to join my exclusive Friends of The BakerMama group. It’s a fantastic community where you can connect with other home cooks and share all the fun and yummy recipes of mine that you make! 😍 I absolutely love seeing how inspired and creative you all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy every delightful bite!

xoxo,