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The simplest Creamy Lemon Basil and Asparagus Ricotta Pasta with Spicy Breadcrumbs for the spring nights ahead. This pasta is made with creamy ricotta cheese, it’s a touch garlicky, and tossed with caramelized lemon and fresh basil. Finish it off with spicy breadcrumbs for a delicious crunch. Perfect easy spring dinner that’s great any night of the week. Everyone in the house will enjoy this dish, veggies and all! Added bonus? This quick-cooking pasta uses just one skillet and is an impressive way to use up that springtime asparagus.
Clearly I am really leaning into the springtime recipes this week. I’m loving seeing all the vibrant spring produce pop up at the store. And with an abundance of fresh asparagus in the fridge I have one too many new ideas brewing in my head.
I’ve written them all down to save for the coming weeks. But this pasta was the recipe that really stood out and sounded most delicious.
It’s unique in that it’s super creamy but yet uses zero cream. The ricotta is really the secret here, but the caramelized lemons and fresh basil add all the flavor.
As you can imagine, this comes together quick. Just about thirty or so minutes is all you need.
Start with the breadcrumbs. Toast them in a skillet with a pinch of spicy crushed red pepper flakes. Then finish with roasted pistachios and sea salt. So simple…I love the added crunch and flavor from the salty pistachios. They are one of my favorite nuts to incorporate into spring pasta and salad dishes.
Once the crumbs are out of the skillet, this is when I start boiling the pasta. Using a short-cut pasta is key for this recipe. I use rigatoni, which has plenty of ridges for the sauce to really cling to the pasta.
While the pasta cooks, caramelize the chopped lemon slices in butter. Then toss with lots and lots of fresh basil. What you will find different here is that I’m directing you to actually cook and eat the lemon peel. I know that sounds odd, but slowly cooking the lemon and allowing it to caramelize in the butter takes away all the bitterness and creates a truly wonderful, lemony flavor.
Yes, I know it’s weird, but trust me. I promise it will be so good!!
Next, cook the asparagus in the remaining butter and garlic. It’s cooks down in the lemon butter from earlier and creates even more flavor. Add a good splash of wine, then stir in the pasta, creamy ricotta, a sprinkling of parmesan, add the lemon basil mix and toss.
And that’s it. Serve this up while it’s warm with breadcrumbs on top. Every bowl at the table will come back to the sink clean. This really is that good.
It’s an easy, flavorful pasta that could not be better for a busy night. It’s still very snowy here in Colorado, so this is the perfect balance of cozy pasta and light springtime flavors.
Looking for other spring pasta recipes? Here are a few to try:
One Pot Lemon Basil, Asparagus, and Sausage Pasta
Roasted Lemon Artichoke and Browned Butter Pasta
Lastly, if you make this Creamy Lemon Basil and Asparagus Ricotta Pasta be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Made this for dinner tonight. We both loved it. I especially liked the carmelized lemon in it. Not hard to make though the first time around it took me 1 hour to pull it together. Will definitely make it agian.
Hey Nancy,
I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan
Great looking recipe! What could you recommend as a substitution for white wine? I was thinking chicken broth, but do you have a better suggestion?
Hey Alexis,
Chicken broth would be great to use in place of the wine. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
So delicious. I’ve never caramelized lemons before but I will definitely be doing it again! Such a good combination of flavors.
And the breadcrumbs were the bomb. Perfect final touch to the pasta!
Hey Nancy,
That is so awesome this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! Happy Friday! xTieghan
Ah nvm!
Hi! When does the garlic go in?
Hey Veronica,
The garlic is added in step 4. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Hi there! So excited to try this. Just one question.. when it comes to the lemon- do you cut it in circular slices, then just chop those up in to little bits? Thank you! 🙂
Hey Serena,
Yes, that is correct! I hope you love the dish, please let me know how it turns out! xTieghan
Yessss, T! I was just thinking of your amazing asparagus recipes the other day. I went through some seriously health issues and haven’t been able to cook but I’m finally feeling up to it 🙂 I’ll make this very soon. Thank you!
Thanks so much, I hope you love the recipe!! xTieghan
this looks amazing. do you think adding some prosciutto would work with this recipe?? thank you!
Hey Johanne,
Yes, I think that would be fantastic! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Brilliant!! Thank you for the information.
Thanks so much!
Haven’t tried, but interested. Do you include the lemon rind?
Hey Day,
I do yes! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
This sounds delicious! Do you think broccoli would also work as a substitute for asparagus?
Hey Nicole,
Yes, I think broccoli would also work well here. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Sigh. My asparagus is still under 6″ of snow! (I’m in northern British Columbia.) But soon I’ll have so much I will be looking for creative ways to use it. In the meantime, I’m off to the grocery store … looks delish!
So sorry Amy! Hopefully that snow melts soon!! xTieghan
I literally searched for lemon asparagus pasta last night! This spring-y dish is going on the meal plan!
Perfect timing! I hope you love the recipe Hilary! xTieghan
A perfect and quick weekday dinner recipe with lots of my favourite ingredients, plus I love pasta. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Thanks so much Colleen! xTieghan
will be making this soon with few subs i love pasta sooooooooooo much sorry for early comment as am in Singapore will dm you if i make this and let you know how it goes Thanks Ramya
Thanks so much Ramya! xTieghan