Ingredients

1 green bell pepper
1 yellow sweet pepper
1 sweet red pepper
kosher salt
1 lb fresh asparagus
olive oil
3 -4 garlic cloves , minced
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried basil ( rub between fingers to waken flavor )
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley , roughly chopped
8 ounces ziti pasta , uncooked
1/2 cup parmesan cheese , freshly grated
3 tablespoons pine nuts , toasted
fresh ground black pepper , to taste
Ziti with Fresh Asparagus and Toasted Pine Nuts is a wholesome and flavorful pasta recipe that is perfect on any weeknight or weekend when you want to enjoy a comforting, satisfying meal. The fresh asparagus and bell peppers give this dish a pop of color while also adding tons of nutrition. It is a well-rounded pasta meal featuring all the good things that nature has to offer. The creamy ricotta cheese mixed with tangy yogurt and sour cream makes the dish whole and satisfying. Top it up with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts to add a lovely texture and nutty flavor all around. It's a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies many people with a variety of taste palettes and dietary needs.

Instructions

1.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2.While the water is boiling, cut the bell peppers into thin strips and set aside.
3.Trim the tough ends of the asparagus and cut them into 1-2 inch pieces.
4.Add the ziti pasta to the boiling water and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
5.While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6.Add the minced garlic and onion powder and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
7.Add the bell peppers and asparagus to the skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
8.Remove the skillet from the heat and add the fresh lemon juice, ricotta cheese, plain yogurt, sour cream, and chopped parsley. Mix well.
9.When the pasta is done cooking, drain it and add it to the skillet with the vegetable mixture. Toss well to combine.
10.Add the grated parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts to the skillet and mix well.
11.Season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.

PROS

This recipe is a great way to enjoy asparagus, a nutritious vegetable that is rich in fiber and vitamins.

The combination of ziti pasta, fresh vegetables, ricotta cheese, and pine nuts makes for a filling and satisfying meal that is also easy to prepare.

CONS

This recipe contains high fat content from the pine nuts, ricotta cheese and sour cream.

It is important to consume this recipe in moderation for healthy eating

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Ziti With Fresh Asparagus and Toasted Pine Nuts is a well-rounded meal that offers various health benefits.
Asparagus is rich in folate, an essential nutrient for healthy brain function. It also contains antioxidants, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and type 2 diabetes.
The addition of pine nuts provides a good source of magnesium which is a important mineral that helps in energy production as well as improving heart and bone health.
The protein that ricotta cheese below is a good source of protein, essential nutrient needed for growth and maintenance of the body.

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