A Delicious Twist on Pasta: Try This Green Goddess Ricotta Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy pasta recipe that combines creamy textures and fresh herbs, then this Green Goddess Ricotta Pasta is the perfect choice. Inspired by the popular green goddess dressing, this dish brings together the flavors of lemon, anchovy, and herbs with the smoothness of ricotta cheese to create a flavorful pasta sauce. The creamy sauce is lightened with the freshness of baby spinach, tender herbs, and the zest of lemon. This pasta is easy to make and is packed with nutrients, making it a great meal for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this simple but tasty pasta, you’ll need just a few fresh ingredients:

• Whole-Wheat Pasta Shells: 8 ounces (whole-wheat pasta adds a healthy twist)
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
• Shallot: 3 tablespoons, chopped (adds a mild onion flavor)
• Garlic: 1 teaspoon, minced (for aroma and flavor)
• Anchovy Paste: ¾ teaspoon (for a savory, umami kick)
• Baby Spinach: 2 cups, packed (a healthy green that wilts down easily)
• Mixed Fresh Herbs: 1 cup, chopped (basil, chives, parsley, tarragon – feel free to mix and match)
• Ricotta Cheese: ⅔ cup, part-skim (adds a creamy and smooth texture)
• Lemon Zest: ½ teaspoon (for freshness)
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (adds acidity to balance the creaminess)
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon (to season the sauce)
• Parmesan Cheese: ¾ cup, finely grated (for added richness and flavor)

How to Make Green Goddess Ricotta Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add your whole-wheat pasta shells and cook them according to the instructions on the package. Be sure to save 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. This water will help adjust the consistency of your sauce later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped shallot and minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring often, until the shallot becomes translucent. Add the anchovy paste and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to release the flavors.

Next, add the baby spinach to the skillet. Stir the spinach until it wilts and turns a vibrant green color. This should only take about a minute.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

Once the spinach is wilted, transfer the mixture to a blender. Add the fresh herbs, ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Blend everything together on medium-high speed for about 1 minute, until the sauce becomes smooth and a bright green color. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water (¼ cup at a time) to thin it to your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Transfer the green sauce back into a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked pasta and ½ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. If needed, add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to adjust the sauce’s thickness.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once the pasta is well mixed with the sauce, divide it into 4 bowls. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with additional fresh herbs if you like. Serve your Green Goddess Ricotta Pasta while it’s warm and enjoy the creamy, flavorful dish!

Why You’ll Love Green Goddess Ricotta Pasta

This Green Goddess Ricotta Pasta is a perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors, with the freshness of herbs and the richness of ricotta. The addition of anchovy paste adds a subtle umami flavor that enhances the overall taste, while the lemon gives the dish a bright and fresh kick. Using whole-wheat pasta adds a nutritious element, and the pasta shells are great at holding the sauce, making every bite full of flavor.

You can also add more vegetables like peas or asparagus to the dish to make it even healthier. This pasta is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant colors, smooth texture, and fresh flavors.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Healthy and Nutritious: With whole-wheat pasta, fresh herbs, and spinach, this pasta is full of vitamins and minerals.
• Quick and Easy: The dish only takes 20 minutes to make, perfect for busy nights.
• Customizable: You can easily add different veggies or herbs based on what you have at home.
• Rich in Flavor: The combination of ricotta, Parmesan, lemon, and anchovies makes a savory and satisfying sauce.
• Light but Filling: Despite being creamy, the sauce is balanced by the freshness of spinach and lemon, making the dish filling without being overly heavy.

This pasta is not only a great meal for family dinners but also a creative way to enjoy fresh herbs and greens. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a delicious, easy-to-make pasta that’s both flavorful and nutritious.

Purple Basil LLC

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