In a large stockpot of water (6 cups), add penne pasta (2 ⅔ cups) and salt (to taste). Bring to a boil and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.
In a separate pot, heat the oil from sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil (1 jar) over medium-high heat. Then add the yellow onion (1) and garlic (3 cloves). Cook for about 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Add the sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika (1 Tbsp), crushed red pepper flakes (1 Tbsp), salt (to taste), and black pepper (to taste). Continue stirring for about 4-5 minutes.
Add pasta, ricotta cheese (1 ⅔ cups), and shredded parmesan cheese (1 cup). Cook for 3 more minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 2 Tbsp of lemon juice (1).
