Ricotta Gnocchi With Asparagus and Prosciutto

Fresh ricotta gnocchi may be the fastest fresh-pasta recipe I know. With a little practice, I've gotten it down to under ten minutes (8 minutes 53 seconds, to be precise). But the great part about this recipe is that it serves as a suitable base for a huge variety of sauces and flavors. For instance, last week a friend of mine brought over some delicious first-of-the-season fresh asparagus which we combined with prosciutto and an easy cream sauce to make a delicious impromptu (and fast!) meal on...

PASTA PRIMAVERA with creamy lemon ricotta

Pasta primavera, Primavera means spring, and it's basically a way to make the best of what spring has to offer and throw it all into one dish. Now you won’t find this dish in Italy, it's truly an Italian American invention, but it does live up to the Italian ethos of using what's available locally to you There is no one way to make it. But this is my way so let's just jump right into it.

Lemony Pasta With Asparagus and Bacon

A cheaper, quicker, and easier version of the already super cheap, quick, and easy carbonara.

Asparagus Tartine With Ricotta and Mint

Fresh blanched asparagus and mint pair with creamy ricotta cheese on this simple spring open-faced sandwich. The key is to get the best ingredients and treat them as simply as possible.

Grilled Pasta Primavera

A medley of fresh vegetables are grilled, chopped, and tossed with pasta and a light cream sauce to make a great grilled pasta primavera.

Pasta Shells with Chickpeas and Arugula

Though uncooked pasta sauces sound spectacularly easy, pulling them off isn't as easy as you'd think, as most sauces come off bland and watery. Add fresh mozzarella to the mix, and you just might end up with a gloopy mess of half melted nuggets of mozz, which stick to the pasta like laffy taffy. But leave it to Mollie Katzen to figure it all out.

Handcut Pasta with Ricotta and Peas

Handcut (if not quite homemade) pasta is tossed with creamy ricotta and bright summer peas, basil, and cherry tomatoes. Dinner for two in one pot and ten minutes.

Broiled Asparagus With Fried Egg and Gorgonzola

Inspired by classic asparagus alla Milanese, this easy dish features asparagus that's been blistered in the broiler for an intense, woodsy flavor. On top are pieces of sweet and creamy gorgonzola cheese, which gently melt from the heat from the asparagus, a fried egg, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, and toasted bread crumbs for a light, crunchy texture.

Pasta With Beans and Greens

Creamy beans and hearty greens are the perfect pairing for this pasta, which is easy enough to pull together on a weekend but tasty enough to serve at a dinner party.

Pasta al Limone

Bright and fragrant citrus finds its way into this comforting bowl of spaghetti.