Creamy Broccolini and Ricotta Cavatappi
This creamy Broccolini and Ricotta Cavatappi pasta dish is a delightful, quick meal that's perfect for any day of the week. It's packed with tender broccolini and a luscious ricotta sauce that perfectly clings to the corkscrew-shaped pasta. The bright notes of fresh lemon and thyme elevate the flavors, making it a deliciously comforting yet refreshing dish. It's not just a side; this pasta can stand alone, and pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty garlic bread. Enjoy this satisfying meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home.
4
Servings
387.5
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cavatappi pasta
1/2 lb (corkscrew shaped hollow pasta)
Broccolini
1 lb (trimmed into florets)
Butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
Ricotta cheese
1 cup (fresh)
Lemon zest
2 teaspoons (freshly grated)
Fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Extra-virgin olive oil
drizzle (for tossing)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for your pasta.
2
2. Cook the cavatappi or rigatoni in the boiling water for about 7 to 8 minutes, or until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the hot pot.
3
3. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccolini. In a separate saucepan, add 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil. Add salt to the water. Once boiling, add the trimmed broccolini florets, cover, and cook for 5 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
4
4. In the pot with the drained pasta, add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir until the butter has melted.
5
5. To the pot, add the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and chopped fresh thyme. Toss to combine all the ingredients until the pasta is well coated.
6
6. Gently fold in the cooked broccolini and season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to distribute evenly.
7
7. Serve warm, optionally topped with extra lemon zest and a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
Nutrition Information
15.75g
Fat
48.5g
Carbs
10.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Broccolini and Ricotta Cavatappi?
It is a quick pasta dish featuring tender broccolini and a luscious ricotta sauce flavored with fresh lemon and thyme.
How long does this recipe take to prepare?
This meal can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as it uses pasta, vegetables, and dairy products without any meat.
What kind of pasta is used in this dish?
The recipe uses cavatappi, which is a corkscrew-shaped hollow pasta, but rigatoni can also be used.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 387.5 calories per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains about 15.75g of fat.
What is the protein content?
Each serving provides 10.5g of protein.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
How do I prepare the broccolini?
Trim the broccolini into florets and steam them in 1 inch of boiling salted water for 5 minutes until tender.
What makes the sauce creamy?
The creaminess comes from a combination of fresh ricotta cheese, butter, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh thyme leaves.
How much ricotta cheese is required?
You will need 1 cup of fresh ricotta cheese.
What is the best way to cook the pasta?
Boil the pasta in salted water for 7 to 8 minutes or until it reaches an al dente texture.
Can I use a substitute for cavatappi?
Yes, rigatoni is a recommended substitute if cavatappi is unavailable.
What adds the citrus flavor to the dish?
Freshly grated lemon zest (about 2 teaspoons) provides the bright citrus notes.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What should I serve with this pasta?
It pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty garlic bread.
How much broccolini is needed?
The recipe requires 1 lb of broccolini, trimmed into florets.
Is there any salt and pepper in the recipe?
Yes, salt and pepper are added at the end to taste.
When do I add the lemon zest and thyme?
Add them to the pot with the ricotta cheese after the pasta has been drained and tossed with butter and oil.
What type of olive oil is used?
The recipe recommends extra-virgin olive oil for tossing.
How much pasta is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of cavatappi pasta.
How much carbohydrate content is in a serving?
There are 48.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I add extra lemon zest for serving?
Yes, optionally topping the dish with extra lemon zest and thyme adds extra flavor and freshness.
Does this dish contain any fiber?
While the exact amount isn't specified in the data, the broccolini provides a natural source of fiber.
Is this a good meal for a cozy dinner?
Yes, it is described as a comforting and refreshing dish perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include pasta, vegetarian, quick dinner, comfort food, and 30-minute meals.
Is the ricotta cheese cooked?
The ricotta is tossed with the hot pasta and butter, allowing it to warm through and form a creamy coating.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features a creamy sauce that clings to the hollow pasta with tender-crisp broccolini.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total including seasoning.