Creamy Baked Pasta with Asparagus and Ricotta
This Creamy Baked Pasta with Asparagus and Ricotta is a delightful melody of fresh, vibrant flavors and comforting textures. Perfect for showcasing seasonal asparagus, this dish combines tender pasta with a rich, creamy ricotta mixture and savory parmesan. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked penne pasta and tender asparagus, all enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce, finished with a golden crust. Serve it alongside crusty bread and a crisp salad for a satisfying and wholesome dinner that the whole family will adore. Recipe adapted from '100 Pasta Sauce Recipes', it guarantees a delicious outcome every time!
4
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
14 ounces (uncooked)
asparagus
2 lbs (washed, tough stalks removed, and cut into short lengths)
butter
4 ounces (divided)
chicken stock
to taste (for cooking asparagus)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning and sprinkling on top)
ricotta cheese
10 ounces (processed with olive oil)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for seasoning ricotta)
parmesan cheese
4 ounces (freshly grated)
eggs
3 (beaten together with cheese)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Wash the asparagus and trim any tough ends. Cut the asparagus into short lengths, optionally splitting them lengthwise for even cooking.
3
In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add the asparagus and cook gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding chicken stock as needed to prevent sticking.
4
Once the asparagus is tender, season with salt and pepper to taste and remove from heat.
5
While the asparagus is cooking, cook the penne pasta according to package directions, but reduce the cooking time by half. Drain the pasta immediately and toss it with the remaining butter and half of the grated parmesan cheese.
6
In a bowl, process the ricotta cheese with the olive oil until smooth.
7
Grease a deep oven dish with butter. Start layering: place a thin layer of pasta, followed by a layer of asparagus, then another layer of pasta, and then a layer of the ricotta mixture. Repeat this process, finishing with a final layer of pasta on top.
8
In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs and the remaining parmesan cheese. Pour this mixture evenly over the assembled pasta dish and season the top with freshly cracked black pepper.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
10
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy your creamy baked pasta!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
45g
Carbs
13.5g
Protein
2
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Baked Pasta with Asparagus and Ricotta?
It is a comforting baked pasta dish featuring penne, fresh asparagus, and a smooth ricotta mixture topped with a parmesan crust.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe specifies 14 ounces of uncooked penne pasta.
How much asparagus is needed for this dish?
You will need 2 lbs of asparagus, washed and trimmed.
Why is the pasta cooked for only half the package time?
Cooking the pasta for half the time ensures it doesn't overcook or become mushy while baking in the oven.
How do I prepare the ricotta mixture?
Process 10 ounces of ricotta cheese with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until the mixture is smooth.
How long do I cook the asparagus in the skillet?
Cook the asparagus in butter for about 20 minutes over low heat until it is tender.
What is the purpose of adding chicken stock to the asparagus?
Chicken stock is added while sautéing the asparagus to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
How is the golden top layer created?
The top layer is created by pouring a mixture of 3 beaten eggs and grated parmesan cheese over the pasta before baking.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 300 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 13.5g of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 10g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count?
Each serving has 45g of carbohydrates.
How much fiber does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 2g of fiber.
How do I layer the ingredients in the baking dish?
Layer in order: pasta, asparagus, pasta, ricotta mixture, and then a final layer of pasta.
What type of cheese is used in the egg mixture?
The egg mixture uses freshly grated parmesan cheese.
How much butter is required?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of butter, which is used in divided amounts.
How long should the dish bake?
Bake the assembled pasta for approximately 20 minutes.
How do I know when the baked pasta is done?
The dish is done when the top is golden and bubbly.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock to make the dish vegetarian.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, you should grease a deep oven dish with butter before layering the ingredients.
How should the asparagus be cut?
Cut the asparagus into short lengths and optionally split them lengthwise for even cooking.
What should I do after the pasta is drained?
Toss the drained pasta immediately with half of the butter and half of the parmesan cheese.
What side dishes go well with this pasta?
It is recommended to serve this dish with crusty bread and a crisp salad.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a wholesome dinner that the whole family will adore.
Does the recipe use fresh parmesan?
Yes, it specifically calls for 4 ounces of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
What is the final seasoning for the top?
The top is seasoned with freshly cracked black pepper before baking.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, letting it cool for a few minutes helps the layers set before serving.
What is the category of this meal?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.