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A simple marriage of ricotta cheese, egg, and a secret ingredient make for a sauce that’s even creamier than those that use heavy cream, which can be a bit too rich and filling. I mean, come on, I’m trying to save room for the tiramisu. Ricotta gives this sauce a cheesy tanginess that we don’t get with heavy cream. I love to top this pasta with lots of ricotta salata, a great summer cheese.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces orecchiette pasta
For the Sauce Base
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
- ¼ cup pesto, or to taste
Directions
Step 1
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook orecchiette according to package directions, reducing time by 1 minute, about 10 minutes.
Step 2
Meanwhile, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Mix until a paste forms. Add 1/3 cup hot pasta water and whisk well. Repeat with another 1/3 cup pasta water.
Step 3
Transfer pasta to a saucepan using a strainer, letting most, but not all, the water drain off. Reserve cooking water. Add the sauce mixture and turn heat to medium. Cook and stir until sauce thickens enough to coat the pasta evenly, about 2 minutes. Add more pasta water if sauce gets too thick. Stir in pesto. Taste and season as desired. Transfer pasta to a warm bowl.
Chef’s Notes:
Use any shape of pasta you desire.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 4 | |
| Calories 297 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat9g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat2g | 12% |
| Cholesterol52mg | 17% |
| Sodium617mg | 27% |
| Total Carbohydrate42g | 15% |
| Dietary Fiber3g | 9% |
| Total Sugars1g | |
| Protein11g | |
| Vitamin C2mg | 11% |
| Calcium119mg | 9% |
| Iron1mg | 4% |
| Potassium68mg | 1% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
**Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient.If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
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