Pasta with Ricotta, Peas, and Mint

Pasta with ricotta, peas, and fresh mint (oh…and bacon) is the perfect quick meal for a busy weeknight.  It’s reminiscent of Mac and cheese but a little more grown up and with more nutritional value.  You can easily toss in whatever veggies (sauteed zucchini, mushrooms, any leafy greens, and/or asparagus would all be delicious) and whatever fresh herbs you like or have on hand.  You can’t go wrong here; this creamy and flavorful dish is good in any form!

Yum!

Pasta with Ricotta, Peas, and Mint

 

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Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

20 mins

Total time

30 mins

 

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat fusili or other noodle
• 4 slices turkey bacon, diced into small pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• ½ bag frozen peas
• 16 oz container of whole milk ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1-2 lemons
• 1 large handful fresh mint leaves, rough chopped
• A few handfuls of arugula

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, making sure to salt the water. Meanwhile, add 1 Tbsp olive oil to a large pot and saute the bacon until crispy; remove pieces to a paper towel to drain.
2. Add chopped onion to the pot and saute until soft (5-7 minutes). Add the peas and saute one more minute, then drain pasta (reserve ½ cup of the pasta water) and add to the pot along with the ricotta, lemon juice, mint, Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil. Gently mix together with a spatula, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if the mixture seems dry.
3. Serve over a bed of arugula with another sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a lemon wedge. This dish is also great at room temperature or chilled as a pasta salad.

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