Best 14 Penne With Asparagus Ricotta And Lemon Recipes

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Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our delectable Penne with Asparagus, Ricotta, and Lemon. This vibrant dish combines the fresh, crisp taste of asparagus with the creamy richness of ricotta cheese, all tied together by a zesty lemon sauce. Prepared in just 30 minutes, this culinary delight is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

_Our collection of recipes offers a variety of options to tantalize your taste buds._

- **Classic Penne with Asparagus, Ricotta, and Lemon:** Experience the harmonious blend of flavors in this timeless recipe. Fresh asparagus, creamy ricotta, and a bright lemon sauce create a dish that is both comforting and refreshing.

- **Roasted Asparagus with Ricotta and Lemon Dressing:** Elevate your taste buds with this roasted version. Roasted asparagus adds a smoky depth of flavor, while the ricotta and lemon dressing provide a delightful contrast.

- **Penne with Asparagus, Ricotta, and Pesto:** Infuse your pasta with the vibrant flavors of pesto. This recipe combines the classic ingredients with a flavorful pesto sauce, adding an extra layer of complexity.

- **Creamy Asparagus and Ricotta Pasta:** Indulge in a luscious and creamy pasta dish. A velvety sauce made with ricotta and asparagus envelops the penne, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

- **Asparagus and Ricotta Stuffed Shells:** Delight in a delightful twist on traditional stuffed shells. Tender asparagus and creamy ricotta filling are encased in delicate pasta shells, topped with a flavorful tomato sauce.

Embark on a culinary journey with our diverse selection of Penne with Asparagus, Ricotta, and Lemon recipes. From the classic combination to innovative variations, each dish promises a unique and unforgettable taste experience.

Let's cook with our recipes!

PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS AND CHERRY TOMATOES (SPRING)



Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes (Spring) image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     main-dish

Time 15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 ounces penne pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 pounds thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups (about 9 ounces) cherry tomatoes
1 cup shelled fresh peas
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock
1 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
  • In a large saute pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the asparagus, season with the salt and pepper, and cook for 3 minutes until slightly soft. Add the cherry tomatoes and peas. Cook for 2 minutes. Pour the chicken stock into the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the tomatoes start to burst and the stock is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
  • Transfer the asparagus mixture to a large serving bowl. Add the cooked pasta and 1/2 of the Parmesan. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water, if needed, to loosen the pasta. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan and chopped basil.

PENNE WITH RICOTTA AND ASPARAGUS



Penne With Ricotta and Asparagus image

Provided by Amanda Hesser

Categories     dinner, weekday, pastas, main course

Time 20m

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

Sea salt
1 1/4 pounds thick asparagus, ends trimmed
1 pound penne rigate
1 clove garlic, peeled
15 ounces whole-milk ricotta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2/3 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with enough salt that the water tastes salty. Add the asparagus and cook until tender but still firm, about 4 minutes. Lift out the asparagus with tongs and transfer to an ice bath. Cut into 1/8 -inch slices, leaving tips intact.
  • Bring the water back to a boil and add the penne.
  • Meanwhile, rub a large serving bowl with the garlic. Add the ricotta, olive oil and 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water; blend. When the pasta is done, drain it (reserving some water) and add it to the ricotta mixture. Top with the asparagus and half the Parmesan cheese, then fold everything together. Season to taste, adding some reserved pasta water if needed. Divide among 4 shallow bowls and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 769, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 94 grams, Fat 27 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 37 grams, SaturatedFat 13 grams, Sodium 902 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams

ONE-POT PASTA WITH ASPARAGUS AND RICOTTA



One-Pot Pasta with Asparagus and Ricotta image

This recipe is sponsored by Target. Everything cooks in the same pot in this game-changing dinner: the aromatics (onions and garlic), the spring vegetables (asparagus and peas), and even the noodles (no separate pot of boiling water necessary!). It's finished with lemon, fresh basil and dollops of creamy ricotta.

Provided by Kelly Senyei

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound uncooked farfalle pasta
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
4 cups vegetable broth
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup frozen peas
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup ricotta
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Steps:

  • Combine the pasta, onions, garlic, asparagus, broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture boils, 7 to 10 minutes. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes.
  • Stir in the frozen peas and continue to cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 2 minutes. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Taste and season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and top with dollops of ricotta and a sprinkling of Parmesan. Garnish with basil leaves and serve.

LEMON ASPARAGUS PASTA



Lemon Asparagus Pasta image

Bright lemony flavor. Easy to make and can sit out during warm weather. Can be served hot, warm, or cold.

Provided by Chop Suey

Categories     Side Dish

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 large lemon, zested and juiced
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup olive oil
salt to taste
freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes. Penne will still be slightly firm.
  • Stir asparagus into the pot with the boiling penne pasta and bring back to a boil; cook until pasta is tender and asparagus is softened but still bright green, about 3 more minutes. Drain pasta and asparagus.
  • Place penne and asparagus into a large bowl; lightly stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 377.6 calories, Carbohydrate 45 g, Cholesterol 8.8 mg, Fat 17.8 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 12.7 g, SaturatedFat 3.9 g, Sodium 157.7 mg, Sugar 3 g

ONE-POT PASTA WITH RICOTTA AND LEMON



One-Pot Pasta With Ricotta and Lemon image

This elegant, bright pasta dish comes together in about the same amount of time it takes to boil noodles and heat up a jar of store-bought marinara. The no-cook sauce is a 50-50 mix of ricotta and Parmesan, with the zest and juice of one lemon thrown in. That's it. To make it more filling, add peas, asparagus or spinach in the last few minutes of the pasta boiling, or stir in fresh arugula or watercress with the sauce in Step 3. It's a weeknight and for-company keeper any way you stir it.

Provided by Ali Slagle

Categories     dinner, easy, lunch, weekday, pastas, main course

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

Kosher salt
1 pound short, ribbed pasta, like gemelli or penne
1 cup whole-milk ricotta (8 ounces)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino (2 ounces), plus more for serving
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest plus 1/4 cup lemon juice (from 1 to 2 lemons)
Black pepper
Red-pepper flakes, for serving
1/4 cup thinly sliced or torn basil leaves, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  • In the same pot, make the sauce: Add the ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest and juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and stir until well combined.
  • Add 1/2 cup pasta water to the sauce and stir until smooth. Add the pasta and continue to stir vigorously until the noodles are well coated. Add more pasta water as needed for a smooth sauce.
  • Divide the pasta among bowls and top with some of the sauce that's pooled at the bottom of the pot. Garnish with grated Parmesan, black pepper, red-pepper flakes and basil, if using.

CAVATELLI WITH ASPARAGUS, LEMON AND FRESH RICOTTA



Cavatelli with Asparagus, Lemon and Fresh Ricotta image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

One 1-pound bunch asparagus, tough ends trimmed and reserved, spears sliced on a bias into 2-inch pieces
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 cup (8 ounces) fresh full-fat ricotta, drained (see Cook's Note)
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons lemon juice plus zest of 1/2 lemon (plus more zest for garnish)
1 pound fresh or frozen cavatelli
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic
Grated Pecorino-Romano, for garnish
Fresh basil, for garnish

Steps:

  • Place the woody stems from the asparagus in a food processor. Process until smooth. Transfer the pureed asparagus to a fine-mesh strainer set over a small bowl. Let the juices drain, 5 to 10 minutes, pressing down lightly on the puree with a wooden spoon occasionally. Reserve the juice and discard the pulp.
  • Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the ricotta, Parmesan and 1 tablespoon lemon juice with some salt and pepper. Add the lemon zest and set aside.
  • Once the water has boiled, add the cavatelli and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  • Meanwhile, add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Remove the garlic, then add the sliced asparagus and saute until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain the cavatelli directly into the skillet with the asparagus. Add about half of the asparagus juice and allow to simmer for 1 minute. Add the remaining asparagus juice and the remaining tablespoon lemon juice and cook until the pasta is glossy, about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl and garnish with Pecorino-Romano, lemon zest, dollops of the whipped ricotta, basil and black pepper.

PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS AND CREAM SAUCE



Penne With Asparagus and Cream Sauce image

A beautifully simple garlicky cream sauce, roasted asparagus and whole wheat penne come together for an excellent vegetarian meal.

Provided by merron-iru kami

Categories     Penne

Time 30m

Yield 8-16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 lb dry penne pasta
1 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus
1 teaspoon olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
1/4 cup white wine
4 tablespoons heavy cream
1 cup skim milk
2 teaspoons dried basil
4 ounces aged gouda cheese, shredded
salt and pepper
2 ounces walnuts, toasted and chopped (optional)

Steps:

  • Prepare pasta according to box directions.
  • While pasta is cooking, wash asparagus, break off the woody stems and arrange on a cookie sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper. Broil for 5-10 minutes until the asparagus is tender (to your personal taste). Once cooked, chop asparagus roughly and toss it with drained pasta in a large serving bowl.
  • Melt butter in a sauce pan and add garlic, sauteing until it is turning golden and fragrant. Remove from heat.
  • Whisk in wheat flour to form a roux, being careful to avoid any lumps. When it is perfectly smooth, add white wine, whisking to incorporate.
  • Return saute pan to the heat, allow alcohol to evaporate (should take about 30 seconds) and immediately whisk in heavy cream.
  • Continuing to whisk, add shredded Gouda and stir gently until it melts. Once melted, add remaining ingredients and bring to temp., or just until the sauce begins to bubble.
  • Pour sauce over pasta and asparagus. Toss and garnish with toasted walnuts, if desired.

PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS CARBONARA



Penne With Asparagus Carbonara image

This is an easy recipe, and one that you can twist and tweak endlessly, depending on what food you have on hand. The vegetable and the pasta shape don't matter much. And since you forgo the pork of a traditional carbonara, egg-friendly vegetarians will be happy.

Provided by Florence Fabricant

Categories     dinner, lunch, pastas, main course

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound asparagus, medium-thick
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 large cloves garlic, sliced
Salt
10 ounces dry penne pasta
3 large eggs
Ground black pepper
1 cup grated pecorino (about 2 ounces)
2 tablespoons minced tarragon leaves

Steps:

  • Snap off the ends of the asparagus. If the stalks are thick, peel the bottoms. Slant-cut the asparagus in 1-inch pieces. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet. Add garlic and cook on medium-low until the garlic is fragrant. Add asparagus and stir-fry until al dente, about 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente. In a medium-size bowl, beat eggs enough to blend them. Gradually whisk 1/2 cup of the pasta water into the eggs. Drain pasta and add to skillet. Add remaining oil and toss with asparagus over low heat, just enough to combine and warm the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Remove pan from heat.
  • Very slowly stir about half the egg mixture into the pasta and asparagus, mixing everything constantly. Don't worry if some of the egg scrambles a bit. Quickly stir the cheese into remaining eggs, pour over the ingredients in the skillet and mix. Fold in tarragon. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 494, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 60 grams, Fat 19 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 21 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 585 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams

PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS-LEMON SAUCE



Penne With Asparagus-lemon Sauce image

Take advantage of the seasonal bounty of asparagus and make this wonderful pasta. By using the water from the asparagus and pasta you will retain some minerals that would ordinarily be lost!

Provided by TishT

Categories     Penne

Time 50m

Yield 5-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb fresh asparagus
5 -6 quarts water
2 -3 tablespoons sea salt
1 teaspoon lemon, zest of, minced
1/4 cup quality extra virgin olive oil
fresh ground pepper
14 -16 ounces penne or 14 -16 ounces short pasta
1/2 cup grated parmigiano

Steps:

  • Snap the tough butt ends off the asparagus or peel to the tender core.
  • Cut the stmes into 1" pieces.
  • Reserve the asparagus tips Bring 5-6 qts water to rolling boil, add 2-3 Tbs salt, and cook asparagus stems for 6-8 minutes until soft and totally tender.
  • Remove stems with slotted spoon, refresh in cold water, and drain Cook the tips in the boiling water for 3-5 minutes until tender, remove with a slotted spoon, refresh in cold wate, and drain.
  • Reserve asparagus cooking water.
  • Puree the stems in a food processor with lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 cup asparagus cookign water, and salt and pepper to taste; transfer the sauce to a 3 qt pot.
  • Return the remaining asparagus cooking water to a rolling boil, add the pasta, and cook until it still offers considerable resistance to the tooth, around three quarters of the recommended cooking time.
  • Drain, reserving 2 cups of pasta water.
  • Add pasta, asparagus tips, and 1/2 cup starchy water to asparagus stem puree and cook ina 3 qt pot over highest heat, stirring for 3-5 minutes until pasta is almost cooked and sauce coats pasta.
  • Add more pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, if sauce becomes too dry.
  • Sauce should surround pasta but be slightly liquid since cheese will thicken it.
  • Add the grated Parmigiano, heat for an additional minute to melt the cheese and serve immediately.

PENNE AND ASPARAGUS WITH RICOTTA CHEESE



Penne and Asparagus with Ricotta Cheese image

Categories     Cheese     Low Fat     Ricotta     Asparagus     Healthy

Yield makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (14 1/2-ounce) box of fiber-enriched penne pasta (I used Ronzoni Smart Taste Penne Rigate)
1 pound trimmed asparagus, cut into 2-inch diagonal pieces
2 teaspoons freshly minced garlic
1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese (I used Precious, which is the same as Sorrento in various parts of the country)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup reduced-fat grated Parmesan cheese (look for it in a plastic canister or jar, not in the refrigerated section)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste, optional

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta according to package directions, omitting any oil or butter.
  • Two to four minutes before the pasta is done, add the asparagus to the water (2 minutes for thin spears, 4 minutes for thick). Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water in a small bowl. Drain the pasta.
  • Meanwhile, add the garlic, ricotta, and olive oil to a large serving bowl. As soon as the pasta is drained, mix in 1/3 cup of the reserved pasta water. Immediately add the pasta and asparagus and gently toss until the pasta and asparagus are coated with the cheese mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Gently toss again. If the mixture seems too dry, add more reserved pasta water, about 1/4 cup at a time, until no longer dry. Sprinkle the Parmesan over the pasta and sprinkle with the red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately.
  • nutrition information
  • Each (about 2-cup) serving has:
  • Calories: 318
  • Protein: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 18mg
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Sodium: 183mg

PASTA WITH ASPARAGUS, ARUGULA AND RICOTTA



Pasta With Asparagus, Arugula and Ricotta image

This recipe works best if you use thin asparagus and peppery wild arugula, available at some farmers' markets.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, pastas, main course

Time 15m

Yield Serves four

Number Of Ingredients 8

3/4 pound thin asparagus, woody ends snapped off, cut into 1-inch lengths
Salt
3/4 pound penne, fusilli or bow-tie pasta
1/2 cup fresh ricotta
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
A generous handful of baby arugula or wild arugula leaves, rinsed and spun dry (about 1 ounce, or 1 cup tightly packed)
Freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and add a generous amount of salt. Add the asparagus. Cook pencil-thin asparagus for two minutes, three to four minutes if stems are medium-thick. Transfer to a bowl of ice-cold water. Drain and set aside.
  • Place the ricotta in a large pasta bowl.
  • Bring the water back to a boil, and add the pasta. Cook al dente, following the directions for timing on the package but checking a minute before the suggested cooking time. Stir 1/3 cup of the pasta cooking water into the ricotta. Drain the pasta and toss at once with the olive oil and ricotta, the arugula, asparagus and Parmesan. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 485, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 69 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 20 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 513 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams

PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS AND LEMON CREAM SAUCE (EATING WELL)



Penne With Asparagus and Lemon Cream Sauce (Eating Well) image

Make and share this Penne With Asparagus and Lemon Cream Sauce (Eating Well) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories     Penne

Time 40m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch diagonal pieces
2 bunches scallions, trimmed and cut into 1-inch diagonal pieces
3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest, preferably organic
12 ounces penne
salt
fresh ground pepper
1/4 cup slivered fresh basil

Steps:

  • Put a large pot of lightly salted water on to boil.
  • Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add asparagus and scallions; cook/stir occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and browned in places, 10-12 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the ricotta and lemon zest together.
  • Cook penne in the boiling water until just tender, about 10 minutes.
  • Measure out about 1/4 cup of the pasta-cooking water; stir into the ricotta mixture until creamy.
  • Drain penne and mix into the ricotta mixture; toss to coat.
  • Add the vegetables and toss well; season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve, garnished with basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 288.1, Fat 4.7, SaturatedFat 1.8, Cholesterol 9.5, Sodium 60.5, Carbohydrate 54.2, Fiber 9.4, Sugar 2.5, Protein 10.7

PENNE WITH SALMON AND ASPARAGUS



Penne with Salmon and Asparagus image

3 of my most favorite things! This meal comes together fairly quickly, yet is elegant enough to serve to company.

Provided by skat5762

Categories     Penne

Time 45m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (16 ounce) package penne rigate or 1 (16 ounce) package bow tie pasta
3 teaspoons olive oil
1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 large shallot, finely chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken broth
1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut crosswise into thirds then lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon

Steps:

  • In a large saucepot, cook pasta as label directs and then drain.
  • Meanwhile, in a 12-inch skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add asparagus, salt and pepper and cook until asparagus is almost tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
  • Add shallot and remaining 1 teaspoon oil; cook, stirring constantly, two minutes longer.
  • Add wine; heat to boiling over high heat.
  • Stir in broth and heat to boiling.
  • Arrange salmon slices in skillet; cover and cook until just opaque throughout, 2- 3 minutes.
  • Remove skillet from heat and stir in tarragon.
  • In a warmed serving bowl, toss pasta with asparagus mixture.

PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS AND LEMON-PARMESAN CREAM



Penne With Asparagus and Lemon-Parmesan Cream image

This is similar but better then a dish served at my favorite restaurant Abruzzo in Hood River, Oregon.

Provided by Ingy1171

Categories     Penne

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

3/4 lb penne pasta
1 lb asparagus, fiborous ends snapped off, peeled if thick, and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese (divided)
3 tablespoons whipping cream
fresh ground black pepper
sea salt
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh chives
1 lemon, juice and zest of

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, stirring often, until it's just tender, about 9 minutes.
  • Scoop out 1 cup of the pasta water and set aside, then stir in the asparagus and cook until both the penne and the asparagus are tender, about 2 minutes.
  • Drain well and return the asparagus and pasta to the pot along with 3/4 cup of the Parmigiano-Reggiano, cream, 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Set over medium heat and cook, stirring for a couple of minutes so cheese melts; add more of the pasta water if mixture becomes dry.
  • Stir in the chives, lemon zest and the lemon juice. Season generously with salt, pepper and more lemon juice to taste.
  • Serve with a sprinkling of the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 455.9, Fat 11.7, SaturatedFat 6.4, Cholesterol 29.8, Sodium 362.1, Carbohydrate 74.6, Fiber 11.8, Sugar 1.8, Protein 17.1

Tips:

  • Choose the right pasta: Penne is a great choice for this dish, as it holds the sauce well. However, you could use any other short pasta shape, such as rigatoni or fusilli.
  • Use fresh asparagus: Fresh asparagus is best for this dish, as it has a more vibrant flavor. However, you could use frozen asparagus if fresh is unavailable.
  • Cook the asparagus properly: Asparagus should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight crunch. Overcooked asparagus will be mushy.
  • Make sure the ricotta is fresh: Fresh ricotta is essential for this dish, as it will have a light and creamy texture. Avoid using pre-packaged ricotta, as it will be too dry.
  • Use a good quality lemon: The lemon juice in this dish should be bright and flavorful. Use a fresh lemon, and avoid using bottled lemon juice.

Conclusion:

This penne with asparagus, ricotta, and lemon is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The combination of flavors is light and refreshing, and the asparagus adds a nice crunch. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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