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.

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

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/asparagus-ricotta-and-lemon-fettucine-29-minutes/