Shrimp Ricotta Pasta Recipe

Shrimp ricotta pasta tossed with creamy lemon ricotta sauce and kale. It's the perfect 30 minute pasta recipe for busy nights.

📝 Ingredients

• Water & salt to cook the pasta
• 1 pound pasta ((bucatini, rigatoni, spaghetti, or penne would all work))
• 3 cups kale leaves (destemmed and chopped thinly)
• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese (more as garnish)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound shrimp (16-20 shelled and deveined)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the pasta and cook according to the packaging instructions or until al dente.
2. 2Five minutes before draining the pasta, add in the kale and cook until softened. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water and drain the pasta.
3. 3Put the now-cooked pasta back in the pan.
4. 4While the pasta is cooking, make the ricotta lemon pasta sauce by mixing ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt and pepper in a bowl.
5. 5Add in the ½ cup of reserved pasta sauce and whisk until creamy. Set it aside.
6. 6To cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large stainless steel skillet. Cook shrimp 2 minutes on each side. Season with salt and pepper.
7. 7To assemble the shrimp ricotta pasta: Add the ricotta sauce to the pasta and toss gently. It should be very creamy as you toss it with the help of the residual heat coming from the freshly cooked pasta. If you need it, add in the remaining pasta liquid and turn the heat on for a minute or so as you toss and turn the pasta.
8. 8Add the cooked shrimp and gently incorporate, ensuring that it is evenly distributed.
9. 9Taste for seasoning and add in if necessary. Garnish with a sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if using. Serve.