Best 13 Penne With Ricotta And Asparagus Recipes

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Penne with ricotta and asparagus is a classic Italian dish that combines the flavors of creamy ricotta cheese, tender asparagus, and hearty penne pasta. The dish is typically made with fresh asparagus, which is cooked until crisp-tender and then tossed with penne pasta and a flavorful sauce. The sauce is usually made with a combination of ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. Some variations of the dish may also include other ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or bacon. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special dish to serve for a dinner party, penne with ricotta and asparagus is sure to please everyone at the table.

Here are our top 13 tried and tested recipes!

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

PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS, RICOTTA AND LEMON



Penne With Asparagus, Ricotta and Lemon image

This recipe is from the Reader's Digest, Magic foods for better blood sugar book. I don't eat a lot of pasta because let's face it, it's just not that healthy, or low fat. But there are times where I crave pasta and am always looking for a healthy, fast and tasty version to have on hand. This serves nice with a side salad and a piece of low glycemic bread such as pumpernickel or sourdough. Instead of butter, a low fat ricotta mixed with a tsp of olive oil and some chili flakes is a nice low glycemic spread. There is also a variation here for Penne with Spinach, Ricotta and Lemon, however I have not tried this variation.

Provided by kelly in TO

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
fresh ground black pepper
2 cups whole wheat penne (or spelt)
1 lb asparagus, stem ends snapped off, cut into 11/2 inch lengths (2 cups)

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of light salted water to a boil for cooking the penne.
  • Stir together the ricotta, 1/4 cup of the parmesan, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
  • Add the penne to the boiling water and cook, stirring occasionally for 4 minutes. Add the asparagus and cook until the penne is al dente (Do not overcook penne) and the asparagus is tender, 4 to 5 minutes longer. Reserve 1/3 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and asparagus and place in a large bowl.
  • Add 1/3 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water to the ricotta mixture, whisking until smooth. Toss the pasta with the ricotta sauce.
  • Pass the remaining parmesan separately.
  • One serving is 11/2 cups.
  • VARIATION: Penne with Spinach, Ricotta, and Lemon.
  • In step 3 omit the asparagus; cook the penne for 8 to10 minutes. While the penne is cooking, cook one 10 ounce (300-gram) package of frozen spinach according to package directions. In step 4 Toss the penne with the ricotta sauce and spinach.

PENNE WITH ASPARGUS-PROSCIUTTO SAUCE



Penne with Aspargus-Prosciutto Sauce image

Provided by Food Network

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings (or 4 very hungry p

Number Of Ingredients 9

Water, to boil asparagus and penne
Salt, to taste
1 pound green asparagus, preferably thick stalks
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 pound prosciuuto di San Daniele or Parma, cut in bits
2 tablespoons freshly ground Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 1/2 pounds penne
1/4 cup light cream
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Set a large pot of cold water to boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add a pinch of salt and let return to a full boil.
  • After washing the asparagus and cutting away any woody ends, boil them in the water just until you can penetrate the thick end of 1 of the stalks by stabbing it with a fork. Lift out the asparagus but continue to let the water boil. Cut off the tips of the asparagus and reserve. Chop the asparagus stalks into 1-inch pieces and then puree either in a manual food mill or in a blender or food processor. The result should be a thick cream.
  • Melt the butter in a saucepan and then add the prosciutto bits, sauteing just until they give off a little fragrance. Then stir in the asparagus puree and, moments later, the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Cook gently, taking care that the sauce does not boil.
  • At this point, toss the penne into the pot of boiling water. Cook for 8 minutes or according to package instructions. Once penne is cooked, drain water and place penne in a warm bowl.
  • While the penne is cooking, add the asparagus tips and some of the cream to the sauce. You do not want to make the sauce too liquid, so only add as much cream as will give the sauce a velvety texture.
  • Once the penne is cooked, spoon the sauce on and toss. Serve on individual plates with a pinch more Parmigiano-Reggiano on top an

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 RICOTTA



Penne With Ricotta image

Make and share this Penne With Ricotta recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Josh Gowans

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups penne pasta
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons parsley (fresh is possible)
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 pinch nutmeg
1 pinch cinnamon
salt
pepper
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 vegetable bouillon cube
1 small onion

Steps:

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the penne and cook for 10 minutes or until tender but still firm to taste.
  • In the meantime, finely slice the onion and cook in a small pot with some olive oil or butter. Heat a 1/2 cup of water, add in the vegetable bouillon. Once the onion is properly cooked (should be tender), add everything else in, including the bouillon -- salt and pepper to taste. Stir the sauce frequently over low heat, should turn into a nice even mixture.
  • Once the pasta is finished cooking, drain and add to the sauce. Stir a few times, turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let set for 5 to 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 462.4, Fat 28.6, SaturatedFat 14.2, Cholesterol 71.7, Sodium 91.8, Carbohydrate 45.2, Fiber 6.2, Sugar 0.9, Protein 8.3

BAKED PENNE WITH CHICKEN MEATBALLS AND RICOTTA



Baked Penne with Chicken Meatballs and Ricotta image

Italian chicken meatballs are combined with Muir Glen™ organic tomato basil sauce, spinach and pasta before being layered with dollops of a gooey, cheesy ricotta and baked until brown and bubbly.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h40m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/4 cup Progresso™ plain panko crispy bread crumbs
3 tablespoons milk
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 lb ground chicken
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 jar (25.5 oz) Muir Glen™ tomato basil pasta sauce
4 cups (5 oz) baby spinach
12 oz uncooked penne
1 container (15 oz) whole milk ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
  • In large bowl, mix bread crumbs and milk; let stand 5 minutes. Add egg, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, the parsley, 2 finely chopped cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper; stir to combine. Add chicken; gently combine. Shape into 32 (1 1/4-inch) meatballs.
  • In 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook meatballs in oil about 6 minutes, turning a few times to brown all sides. Add pasta sauce and spinach in batches; cook until sauce is hot and spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook and drain penne as directed on package. Carefully add to pasta sauce and meatball mixture in skillet.
  • In medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, 1 finely chopped clove garlic, pepper flakes and remaining 1/4 teaspoons each salt and pepper.
  • In baking dish, pour half of the pasta mixture. Place half of the ricotta mixture in dollops over pasta. Spread remaining pasta mixture in baking dish; top with dollops of remaining ricotta. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese over top. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until top is golden brown and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 560, Carbohydrate 51 g, Cholesterol 110 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 4 g, Protein 34 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 860 mg, Sugar 8 g, TransFat 1/2 g

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.

PENNE WITH CHICKEN AND ASPARAGUS



Penne with Chicken and Asparagus image

A light but super-tasty pasta dish, with fresh asparagus cooked in broth with sauteed garlic and seasoned chicken.

Provided by LAUREL B

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (16 ounce) package dried penne pasta
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into cubes
salt and pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 bunch slender asparagus spears, trimmed, cut on diagonal into 1-inch pieces
1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, and set aside.
  • Warm 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in chicken, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until chicken is cooked through and browned, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken to paper towels.
  • Pour chicken broth into the skillet. Then stir in asparagus, garlic, and a pinch more garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cover, and steam until the asparagus is just tender, about 5 to 10 minutes. Return chicken to the skillet, and warm through.
  • Stir chicken mixture into pasta, and mix well. Let sit about 5 minutes. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, stir again, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 332.1 calories, Carbohydrate 43.3 g, Cholesterol 19.6 mg, Fat 10.9 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 16.7 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 68.7 mg, Sugar 3 g

PENNE WITH HERBED RICOTTA



Penne with Herbed Ricotta image

Provided by Lillian Chou

Categories     Pasta     Vegetarian     Kid-Friendly     Quick & Easy     Dinner     Ricotta     Fall     Spring     Summer     Winter     Family Reunion     Boil     Gourmet     Sugar Conscious     Kidney Friendly     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher     Small Plates

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 1/2 cups whole-milk ricotta
2 tablespoons chopped chives
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons chopped basil
1 teaspoon chopped thyme
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound penne

Steps:

  • Stir together ricotta, herbs, oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper in a large shallow serving bowl.
  • Meanwhile, cook penne in a pasta pot of boiling salted water (3 tablespoons salt for 6 quarts water) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain penne.
  • Stir 1/4 cup cooking water into ricotta mixture, then stir in penne. Thin with additional cooking water if desired and season with salt and pepper.

ONE-POT PENNE WITH SPINACH, RICOTTA, AND PINE NUTS



One-Pot Penne with Spinach, Ricotta, and Pine Nuts image

In this easy six-ingredient dish, the spinach cooks right in the pot with the pasta. Spoon ricotta onto each serving, and let your guests mix it up themselves.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/3 cup pine nuts
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 pound spinach or plain penne pasta
1 1/2 pounds baby spinach, well washed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread pine nuts on a rimmed baking sheet; toast in oven, tossing occasionally, until golden, 6 to 8 minutes; set aside.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook according to manufacturer's directions. Add spinach during last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain; return pasta and spinach to pot. Add oil; season generously with salt and pepper. Toss well.
  • Serve immediately, topped with ricotta, pine nuts, and Parmesan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 489 g, Fat 14 g, Fiber 15 g, Protein 21 g

SPRINGTIME PENNE



Springtime Penne image

With ham, asparagus, onion and pasta in a creamy sauce, this stovetop supper is tasty enough for even your pickiest guests. It's great with penne, but you can also try it with mostaccioli or another type of pasta.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 20m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 cups uncooked penne pasta
1 pound fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1/4 cup butter
1/2 pound cubed fully cooked ham
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
Shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute asparagus and onion in butter for 5-8 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender., Add the ham, cream, pepper and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook over low heat for 1 minute. Drain pasta. Add to the asparagus mixture; toss to coat. If desired, top with shredded Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 389 calories, Fat 21g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 75mg cholesterol, Sodium 617mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 16g protein.

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

PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS AND MUSHROOMS



Penne with Asparagus and Mushrooms image

Fresh sauteed vegetables are combined with a fresh creamy tomato sauce to create this delicious, easy to make pasta dish. Serve with grated cheese.

Provided by ANITA92677

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

½ cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 (10 ounce) package fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can pureed tomatoes
salt and pepper to taste
1 (16 ounce) package uncooked penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and saute the garlic until lightly browned. Place mushrooms in the skillet, and cook 5 minutes. Mix in asparagus, and cook 5 minutes, or until tender. Stir in the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place penne pasta in the pot, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain.
  • Mix the heavy cream into the skillet, and continue cooking 10 minutes, until sauce is thickened. Serve over the cooked pasta.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 472 calories, Carbohydrate 49.7 g, Cholesterol 40.8 mg, Fat 26.1 g, Fiber 4.6 g, Protein 11.5 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, Sodium 233.9 mg, Sugar 3.6 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right asparagus. Look for asparagus spears that are bright green and firm. Avoid spears that are limp or have brown or yellow tips.
  • Cook the asparagus properly. Asparagus can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, steaming, roasting, and grilling. The best way to cook asparagus is to blanch it, which means boiling it briefly in salted water. This will help to preserve the asparagus's鮮豔色調 and flavor.
  • Use fresh ricotta cheese. Ricotta cheese is a soft, creamy cheese that is made from whey. Fresh ricotta cheese is best for this recipe, as it has a delicate flavor that will not overpower the other ingredients.
  • Season the dish to taste. This recipe calls for salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other seasonings to taste, such as Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest.

Conclusion:

This penne with ricotta and asparagus is a simple but delicious dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The asparagus is tender and flavorful, the ricotta cheese is creamy and rich, and the penne pasta is cooked to perfection. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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