Print

Irresistible Asparagus Lemon Ricotta Pasta

asparagus lemon ricotta pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy pasta dish featuring fresh asparagus, creamy ricotta, and bright lemon zest and juice, perfect for a light yet satisfying homemade dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb / 450 g), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup (250 g) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup (45 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Handful of fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse the asparagus and trim off the woody ends (about 1-2 inches). Cut into 2-inch pieces.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add asparagus pieces and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. In a small bowl, mix lemon zest and juice with ricotta cheese until smooth.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet with asparagus and toss gently to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the mixture.
  6. Remove skillet from heat and fold in the lemon ricotta mixture slowly, coating the pasta evenly but gently.
  7. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add more pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Do not overcook asparagus or pasta to maintain texture. Fold ricotta in off the heat to prevent curdling. Fresh lemon zest adds superior flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: asparagus pasta, lemon ricotta pasta, easy pasta recipe, spring pasta, creamy pasta, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/irresistible-asparagus-lemon-ricotta-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner/