Casarecce Lemon Basil Pasta (Printable Version)

Casarecce with ricotta, basil, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes in a creamy lemon-infused sauce.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Dairy

01 - 227 grams ricotta cheese
02 - 75 grams grated Parmesan cheese

→ Produce

03 - 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
04 - Zest of 1 large lemon
05 - 3 medium zucchini (approximately 450 grams), halved lengthwise and sliced 6 mm thick
06 - 2 medium yellow squash (approximately 300 grams), halved lengthwise and sliced 6 mm thick
07 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
08 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
09 - 470 milliliters cherry tomatoes (approximately 1 pint)

→ Pantry

10 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
12 - 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
13 - Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
14 - 340 grams dry casarecce pasta or short pasta alternative

→ Condiments

15 - 120 milliliters fresh basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - Combine ricotta cheese, chopped basil, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl until evenly incorporated. Set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Incorporate zucchini and yellow squash, stirring regularly, and cook for 5-6 minutes.
03 - Stir in cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until squash is tender.
04 - Add minced garlic and cook for approximately 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
05 - Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 240 milliliters (1 cup) of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta.
06 - Return pasta to pot over medium-low heat. Stir in ricotta mixture and 120 milliliters of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat evenly.
07 - Gently fold in cooked vegetables and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add more pasta water if needed for creamy consistency.
08 - Divide pasta into serving bowls and drizzle each portion with fresh basil pesto and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a silky texture.

Return