Whole Wheat Pasta With Ricotta Roasted Garlic Walnuts Food

WHOLE WHEAT PASTA WITH RICOTTA, ROASTED GARLIC & WALNUTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Spread walnuts on small baking sheet and toast until fragrant and lightly browned, 10 minutes, stirring nuts after 5 minutes. Set nuts aside.
• Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta cooks, in bowl, combine ricotta and garlic. Using back of spoon, cream them together until mixture is creamy and light. Mix in Parmigiano cheese and set aside.
• Drain pasta, leaving some moisture in spirals. In mixing bowl, combine pasta with oil. Divide pasta among 4 bowls. With spoon, drop cheese mixture in 5 dollops on top of pasta in each bowl. Garnish with generous amount of pepper, toasted walnuts and parsley. Serve immediately.

BAKED PASTA WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND RICOTTA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375ºF. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Coat a 2 1/2- to 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
• Place squash on prepared baking sheet; roast until tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. Place in a large bowl and mash.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. After squash has been roasting for about 10 minutes, cook pasta according to package directions; drain and return to pot.
• In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, flour, garlic, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently; reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often, until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in mashed squash and 2 1/2 teaspoons of thyme. Add sauce to pasta; toss to mix and coat.
• Transfer pasta mixture to prepared baking dish; dot with spoonfuls of ricotta and then sprinkle with Parmesan and walnuts. Bake until top is lightly browned in a few spots, about 15 to 20 minutes; remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon of thyme.

PASTA WITH RICOTTA-WALNUT SAUCE

Steps:

• GARNISH: cherry tomatoes or broccoli florets, more grated Parmesan cheese, and sprinkling of freshly ground black pepper, optional.
• Boil a large pot of water; cook pasta until al dente.
• While pasta is cooking, in bowl of food processor, place ricotta, yogurt, margarine, garlic, walnuts, and chhese; process till smooth.
• Stir in remaining ingredients.
• When pasta is done, drain well.
• Toss with sauce.
• Top with garnishes and serve immediately.
• VARIATIONS: - when sauce is tossed with pasta, add steamed vegetables such