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Pesto and Ricotta Pasta

Pesto and Ricotta Pasta: A Creamy 15-Minute Delight

Enjoy a quick and flavorful Pesto and Ricotta Pasta, ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for a meal that caters to dietary needs.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Fettuccini Pasta Use gluten-free pasta for dietary restrictions
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese Substitute with dairy-free ricotta for a vegan option
  • 1 cup Homemade Pesto Use fresh basil and pumpkin seeds for a nut-free twist
  • 1/2 cup Pasta Water Reserved to adjust sauce consistency
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice Always opt for fresh juice
  • 1/4 cup Pumpkin Seeds Replace traditional nuts in pesto
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh cloves are key for flavor
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast works as a dairy-free substitute
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil Use high-quality extra-virgin
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust based on taste
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Adjust based on taste

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Make the Pesto: Add fresh basil leaves, pumpkin seeds, garlic cloves, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) to a food processor. Blend until chunky, then drizzle in olive oil until smooth, about 1–2 minutes.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook fettuccini according to package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining, and keep pasta in the pot off heat.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In the pot with pasta, add pesto, ricotta cheese, and lemon juice. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water and return to medium heat. Stir vigorously until well combined and creamy.
  4. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Plate the pasta, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Remember to save ½ cup of pasta water for a silky sauce. Adjust flavors according to personal preference and feel free to add vegetables for extra nutrition.

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