Description
Trader Joe’s Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Asparagus is a delightful dish that combines bright lemon and creamy ricotta for a comforting yet refreshing meal. Perfect for weeknights, this recipe is quick to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- Trader Joe’s Lemon Ricotta Pasta (or any fresh pasta like campanelle, fettuccine, or penne)
- Fresh Asparagus
- Good Quality Olive Oil
- Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced)
- Fresh Lemon (zest and juice from one whole lemon)
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- Fresh Herbs (chopped parsley, basil, or chives)
- Salt
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Asparagus: Wash your asparagus spears thoroughly. To trim them, snap off the woody ends and cut the spears into 1-2 inch pieces on the diagonal if desired. Set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your Trader Joe’s Lemon Ricotta Pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 3-4 minutes for fresh pasta. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Cook the Asparagus: Add the prepared asparagus pieces to the pan with the garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the asparagus is tender-crisp and bright green. If it looks dry, add another small splash of olive oil.
- Combine and Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the asparagus. If using plain pasta, add ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. If using lemon ricotta pasta, add just the lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan.
- Emulsify with Pasta Water: Ladle in about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything gently until the pasta is well coated and a creamy sauce forms. Add more pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
- Season and Serve: Taste the pasta and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Transfer the pasta to serving bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and chopped fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Don't waste the pasta water; it's essential for a silky sauce. Keep asparagus tender-crisp for the best texture, and always use fresh lemon for maximum flavor. Consider adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.