Imagine a dish that captures the essence of spring in every single bite - bright, fresh, and bursting with vibrant flavors. This Lemon Basil and Asparagus Ricotta Pasta is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece right in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious weeknight meal, this recipe promises to elevate your pasta game with its creamy ricotta, tender asparagus, and zingy lemon notes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the asparagus by washing and trimming the woody ends. Cut asparagus into 1-inch diagonal pieces to ensure even cooking and attractive presentation.
- During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the asparagus pieces directly into the boiling water to blanch them alongside the pasta, maintaining their bright green color and crisp texture.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta and asparagus in a colander. This starchy water will help create a smooth sauce later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy base sauce.
- Return the drained pasta and asparagus to the warm pot. Drizzle with olive oil and add the ricotta mixture, gently tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves before serving.
- Plate the pasta immediately, serving hot and optionally topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
Tips
- Salt Your Water Generously: The key to flavorful pasta starts with well-salted boiling water. It should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within.
- Timing is Everything: Add asparagus during the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking to ensure it remains crisp and retains its beautiful bright green color.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating silky, clingy sauces.
- Room Temperature Matters: Let ricotta sit out for 10-15 minutes before mixing to ensure a smoother, more spreadable texture.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly zested lemon and just-chopped basil to maximize flavor intensity and aromatic qualities.
- Gentle Tossing: When combining pasta with the ricotta mixture, use a folding motion to prevent breaking the delicate asparagus pieces.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a few whole basil leaves and a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 359kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
