Asparagus, Ricotta, and Lemon Fettucine (29 Minutes)

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Asparagus, ricotta, and lemon fettuccine is a light yet satisfying dish perfect for busy days.

This pasta dish combines the fresh, earthy flavor of asparagus with creamy ricotta and zesty lemon, creating a vibrant and flavorful meal.

It’s ideal for a quick lunch or a delightful dinner, offering a delicious way to enjoy seasonal produce with a gourmet twist.

  • Prep Time: 12 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Total Time: 29 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 oz fettuccine
  • 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta (10 minutes):
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. Blanch the asparagus (5 minutes):
    • During the last 3 minutes of the pasta’s cooking time, add the asparagus pieces to the boiling pasta water. They should be tender yet crisp. Drain with the pasta.
  3. Prepare the ricotta-lemon sauce (5 minutes):
    • In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and half of the lemon juice. Stir until well mixed. Gradually add olive oil while stirring to create a creamy sauce.
  4. Sauté the garlic (2 minutes):
    • Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Combine and finish the dish (5 minutes):
    • In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta and asparagus, ricotta-lemon sauce, sautéed garlic, and grated Parmesan. Toss everything together, gradually adding enough reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice to taste.
    • If the mixture seems dry, add more pasta water or olive oil until you reach the desired creaminess.
  6. Serve (2 minutes):
    • Divide the pasta among plates and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

This dish is not only quick to prepare but also full of fresh flavors. The key to perfecting this dish is balancing the tartness of the lemon with the creaminess of the ricotta, so adjust the lemon juice and seasoning to your taste.

Using fresh, high-quality ricotta will enhance the overall texture and flavor of the pasta. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be gently reheated if necessary!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Pair this with...

Tuscan Kale Salad

Begin by removing the tough stems from the kale. Then, thinly slice the leaves into ribbons. Place the kale in a large bowl and give it a bit of a massage – yes, seriously! Rubbing the kale with your hands for a minute or two helps soften its texture and diminish its bitterness. Now, for the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, a minced garlic clove, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the massaged kale and toss well to coat. Scatter in a generous handful of roasted almonds, either whole or roughly chopped, and finish by topping the salad with shavings of parmesan cheese.

Parmesan and Lemon Broccolini

Start with fresh broccolini, ensuring they're cleaned and trimmed. Lay them out on a baking sheet, so they've got some space to get nice and crispy. Drizzle with olive oil, letting it coat each stalk with a shiny gloss. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the broccolini, ensuring each piece gets its fair share of cheesy goodness. Into a preheated oven they go, roasting until they're tender with crispy, golden edges. Just before serving, zest a lemon over the top, adding a bright, zingy contrast to the savory Parmesan. Perhaps a squeeze of fresh lemon juice too, for an extra kick.

Cheesy Breadsticks

Begin with a basic bread dough – a blend of flour, water, yeast, a bit of sugar, and salt. After kneading and letting it rise until it doubles, roll the dough out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Now, here comes the cheesy magic! Generously sprinkle your favorite shredded cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, over half of the dough. Fold the other half over the cheese, sealing the cheesy treasure within. Cut the dough into strips, giving you the classic breadstick shape. Arrange them on a baking sheet. Before they go into a preheated oven, you might want to brush them with a mixture of melted butter and garlic for an extra layer of flavor. Bake until they're golden and the cheese inside has melted into gooey perfection.

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!