Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Peas

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 1 lb of penne pasta
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 ½ cups peas (can be frozen/thawed or fresh) – split 1 cup and save ½ cup for later
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2-3 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• ¾ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup parmesan

 

Directions:

• Toast pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat. Stir and watch constantly, as they will burn quickly. Once golden brown, remove from heat, place on a plate, and set aside.
• Cook pasta based on box directions. Once cooked and drained, drizzle with olive oil and stir.
• To make the sauce, add garlic, parsley, oregano, and thyme to a food processor or blender. Blend until the parsley and garlic are well-chopped.
• Add 1 cup of peas, ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to the parsley and garlic. Blend the mixture until smooth.
• Add the mixture to the pasta and stir.
• Top the pasta with the remaining peas. 
• Add parmesan and the roasted pine nuts to the top of each portion. 

If the sauce comes out too thick for your preference, add a splash of water or broth, blend, and keep adding until you find the consistency you prefer. 

Nutrition Benefits:

This recipe is packed with powerful ingredients!!

• Pine nuts are full of protein, iron, vitamin E, and magnesium.  Magnesium plays a role in supporting muscles, nerve function, and energy production. 
• Peas contain many vitamins and zinc! Peas are rich in fiber; they can help reduce blood pressure and could improve lipid levels (cholesterol) within the blood. Because peas are rich in fiber, they can help relieve constipation and promote bowel regular movements.  Zinc helps with metabolic functioning and supports your immune system. Zinc has also been found to be helpful with wound healing and providing support for taste and smell.
• Garlic helps fight bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It can also help boost your immune system, decrease high blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol levels!

Enjoy!