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Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula

Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula Bliss

Enjoy Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula, a simple vegetarian dish that bursts with creamy lemon flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta Feel free to swap with short pasta like penne or fusilli.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese Mascarpone can be a delicious substitute.
  • 1 whole lemon Zest and juice, opt for fresh.
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Pecorino Romano offers a stronger option.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Unsalted butter can replace for richer taste.
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced, garlic powder can work in a pinch.
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Adjust to your preference.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Consider using white pepper for a milder flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional spice touch.
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water Reserve before draining the pasta.
For the Greens
  • 2 cups arugula Baby spinach can be a milder alternative.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, zest and juice of lemon, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add drained pasta to the ricotta mixture, gently toss to coat. Gradually incorporate reserved pasta water until the sauce is creamy.
  4. Fold arugula into the pasta until slightly wilted. Serve immediately.
  5. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if desired. Garnish with more Parmesan cheese and black pepper before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh ingredients and avoid rinsing the pasta after draining to retain starch for the sauce.

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