Lemon Ricotta Tortellini with Basil & Garlic is a refreshing, creamy, and aromatic pasta dish that embodies everything we love about Italian cuisine — simplicity, freshness, and balance. Tender cheese-filled tortellini are tossed in a velvety lemon-garlic ricotta sauce with fragrant basil, a touch of Parmesan, and a hint of zest that brightens every bite.

This dish beautifully marries the richness of ricotta with the tang of lemon and the earthy sweetness of garlic. It’s light yet satisfying, elegant yet easy — making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s both comforting and vibrant. The lemon adds brightness that cuts through the richness of the ricotta and pasta, while the garlic and basil add a deep Italian aroma that feels homemade and gourmet at once.

It’s also incredibly versatile — you can add vegetables, proteins, or simply enjoy it as-is for a quick and wholesome meal.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it delivers restaurant-level flavor with minimal effort. The lemon-garlic-ricotta combination creates a luxurious sauce without needing heavy cream.

It’s also vegetarian-friendly, family-approved, and can be served warm or cold as a pasta salad alternative. Once you try it, it’ll become part of your regular rotation!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Tortellini:

• 1 (20 oz / 550 g) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt for boiling water

For the Lemon Ricotta Sauce:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of ½ lemon
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for creaminess)
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra lemon zest
• Freshly grated Parmesan
• Basil leaves
• Drizzle of olive oil

Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually 3–5 minutes for fresh, 8–10 for frozen).
3. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Ricotta Sauce

1. Reduce heat to low and whisk in ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan.
2. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water or heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet.
2. Toss gently to coat every piece in the lemon-ricotta sauce.
3. Stir in chopped basil right before serving to preserve its freshness and flavor.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate the tortellini and top with extra lemon zest, Parmesan, and fresh basil.
2. Drizzle lightly with olive oil for extra richness, if desired.

How to Serve

Serve Lemon Ricotta Tortellini warm as the main course. It pairs beautifully with:

• A crisp green salad (like arugula or Caesar)
• Garlic bread or focaccia
• A chilled glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

It also makes a great potluck or date-night pasta dish!

Recipe Tips

1. Use fresh ricotta for a smooth, creamy sauce — it melts beautifully.
2. Don’t overcook tortellini — it should be tender yet firm.
3. Add pasta water gradually to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
4. Use lemon zest generously for the freshest flavor — it’s the key to the dish’s brightness.
5. Balance salt and lemon — taste as you go!

Variations

1. Protein Additions

• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crisped pancetta for a heartier version.
• Stir in white beans for extra protein if keeping it vegetarian.

2. Vegetable Boost

• Mix in spinach, peas, asparagus, or zucchini for color and nutrients.
• Try roasted cherry tomatoes for a sweet, tangy twist.

3. Herb Variations

• Swap basil with fresh parsley, thyme, or chives for a different herbal profile.

4. Lighter Option

• Replace ricotta with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese blended smooth.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.

Freezing:

• Not ideal for freezing due to the dairy content — the ricotta sauce may separate when thawed.
• If you must freeze, do so before adding the sauce (freeze cooked tortellini separately).

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Zester for the lemon
• Whisk for mixing sauce

FAQ

Q1: Can I use homemade tortellini?
Yes! Homemade or fresh pasta makes this dish even more luxurious. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q2: Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely — use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all other ingredients (like ricotta and Parmesan) are gluten-free certified.

Q3: Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce a few hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Reheat gently and toss with fresh tortellini before serving.

Q4: What can I use instead of ricotta?
Mascarpone, cream cheese, or even a blend of cottage cheese and yogurt work as substitutes.

Conclusion

Lemon Ricotta Tortellini with Basil & Garlic is the perfect balance of comfort and freshness. It’s rich but light, creamy yet zesty — a dish that brings sunshine to your plate any time of year. Whether you’re hosting friends, treating your family, or cooking a romantic dinner, this recipe will impress without stress.

It’s one of those meals that feels like a hug with a hint of lemon — simple, soulful, and unforgettable.