Imagine a plate of perfectly cooked pasta that combines the silky smoothness of ricotta, the fresh crunch of seasonal asparagus, and a bright burst of lemon zest. This isn't just another pasta recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily create in your own kitchen. In just 25 minutes, you'll craft an Italian-inspired masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the asparagus. Trim the tough woody ends and cut the asparagus into 1-inch diagonal pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus pieces and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender, but still crisp.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to create a creamy sauce.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the penne. Drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the hot pasta and sautéed asparagus to the ricotta mixture. Gently toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if required.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within.
- Keep some pasta water reserved; its starchy magic helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every pasta piece perfectly.
- For the best asparagus texture, sauté quickly over medium heat to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp-tender bite.
- Use fresh, high-quality ricotta for the creamiest sauce. If possible, choose whole milk ricotta for richer flavor.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for maximum flavor and avoid pre-grated options that can taste dry.
- For extra elegance, finish with a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
