Spaghetti with Lemon Ricotta and Jamón Serrano Recipe

Nothing better on a rainy afternoon than plates and plates of pasta. Combined with Jamón Serrano, ricotta, lemon, fresh grown scallions and butter, lots of butter, this Spaghetti with Lemon Ricotta and Jamon Recipe makes for an absolute stunner of a pasta dish that can be whipped up in half an hour.

30 Mins Medium Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients

450g spaghetti
250g ricotta
70g jamón serrano or Spanish serrano ham slices, torn into pieces
30g scallions
1 lemon, half juiced, half zested, then sliced
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
30g butter
50g freshly grated pecorino or Parmesan
salt and pepper

Method

Cook the spaghetti in a pan of boiling water until almost cooked through according to the packet instructions. Reserve 240ml pasta water (one cup), then drain and set aside. Wipe down the pan
Combine the ricotta, lemon juice and zest, and extra virgin olive oil in a medium bowl. Mix until it forms a paste.
Add 1/3 cup hot pasta water and whisk well. Repeat with another 1/3 cup pasta water until the ricotta transforms into a creamy sauce.
Add a pinch of salt and pepper, taste and make sure you’re happy with the seasoning.
Melt the butter in the pan over a medium-low heat, then gently soften the lemon slices (about 2 to 3 minutes).
Add the spaghetti to the pan and then the grated pecorino or Parmesan. Toss to ensure the spaghetti is completely coated.
Add the ricotta sauce, ham and scallion and using two large spoons or tongs, stir until the sauce coats the pasta evenly (about 2 minutes). Add more pasta water if the sauce gets too thick.
Taste and season with salt and pepper, then divide among plates.
Finish with an extra portion of ricotta and a drizzle of olive oil (optional), or squeeze some lemon juice over the top if desired.

Recipe notes by our Food & Drink editor

Jamón Serrano (Serrano ham) is a kind of dry-cured ham produced in Spain. It is one of the most globally recognized food items of Spanish cuisine. It is also regularly a component of tapas. Most jamón is commonly called jamón serrano in Spain. Jamón is the Spanish word for ham.

You can use whatever kind of pasta you want. I happen to like the way spaghetti looks, but I bet this would be good with linguine, penne or farfalle as well. Whole wheat pasta will lend a subtle nuttiness to the dish, along with extra fibre and wholegrain goodness.

Pasta Recipes