Description
Welcome to a delightful culinary journey! Today, we’re diving into a fresh, zesty, and creamy dish: Grilled Lemon & Whipped Ricotta Creste di Gallo. This recipe combines the tanginess of grilled lemons with the smooth, creamy texture of whipped ricotta, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Whether you’re a pasta enthusiast or just looking for a refreshing and satisfying meal, this easy-to-make dish is bound to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ lb. creste di gallo pasta
- 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta
- ⅓ cup Parmigiano Reggiano, finely grated
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1–2 lemons
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Pasta water as needed
Optional substitutions:
- For a vegan version, substitute ricotta with a dairy-free ricotta alternative.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free creste di gallo pasta.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to flavor the pasta as it cooks. Cook the creste di gallo pasta until it reaches an al dente texture, typically around 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Prepare the Whipped Ricotta
- While the pasta is cooking, add the ricotta to a blender or food processor. Blend until the ricotta becomes smooth and glossy. This creates the creamy base for the sauce.
Step 3: Grill the Lemons
- Cut the lemons in half and grill them on a hot grill pan for 2-3 minutes until the cut sides are caramelized and slightly charred. This grilling process intensifies the citrus flavor and adds a smoky edge.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
- In a large sauté pan, add the whipped ricotta and ¼ cup of reserved pasta water. Over medium heat, stir until the ricotta sauce becomes silky smooth. Toss in the cooked creste di gallo, making sure the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
- Stir in the lemon zest, grilled lemon juice, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Toss everything together to combine. Add more pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more lemon juice or salt as necessary.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Plate the pasta, and garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra lemon zest for a bright, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ricotta: Fresh, high-quality ricotta will yield a creamier sauce with a cleaner taste.
- Lemon Zest for Extra Flavor: Don’t skip the lemon zest—it provides a concentrated citrus flavor that complements the grilled lemon juice.
- Save Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps create a smooth sauce without adding extra cream or butter.