Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of 1 lemon; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, extra lemon zest, additional blue cheese

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Experience the comfort of pasta with a zesty twist in this lemon butter penne recipe, which brings together the tang of lemon, the sharpness of blue cheese, and the creaminess of ricotta. This dish is an excellent way to indulge in the rich flavors of cheese while enjoying the refreshing undertone of citrus. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal, it’s a dish that promises satisfaction in every bite.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 pound penne pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, extra lemon zest, additional blue cheese

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Instructions

Cook Penne (10 minutes): Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Make Lemon Butter Sauce (5 minutes): In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the lemon zest and juice, stirring to combine.
Combine Pasta and Sauce (2 minutes): Return the drained penne to the pot with the lemon butter sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Add Cheeses (3 minutes): Gently fold in the ricotta cheese and blue cheese until the pasta is creamy and the cheeses begin to melt. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve (2 minutes): Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley, extra lemon zest, and a sprinkle of blue cheese if desired.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon to suit your taste, and for a lighter version, part-skim ricotta can be used. If the blue cheese flavor is too intense, you can reduce the quantity and supplement with more ricotta or a milder cheese like feta. For an added protein boost, you can toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp if desired. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 70g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 60mg

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