Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Pasta with Ricotta and Peas: A Delightfully Fresh Taste of Spring
Discover this simple yet delicious pasta with ricotta and peas recipe—bursting with the fresh flavours of spring and perfect for any occasion!
📖 What is it
Discover this simple yet delicious pasta with ricotta and peas recipe—bursting with the fresh flavours of spring and perfect for any occasion!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 320g pasta of your choice
- ✓ 250g ricotta cheese
- ✓ 300g peas
- ✓ 2 shallots
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ salt
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Take a sensory trip to the heart of Sicilian spring with this pasta, elevated by the sweetness of fresh peas and the silky creaminess of ricotta. This dish captures the honest goodness of the land, evoking bustling markets brimming with just-picked produce and the warmth of simple, joyful gatherings. Ideal for those after a light yet soul-satisfying first course, this traditional recipe is a welcoming invitation to savour the unique tastes that make Sicilian cooking so special during its finest season.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Begin by peeling the shallots and slicing them thinly. Warm a splash of extra virgin olive oil in a small saucepan and gently soften the shallots until tender.
- 2
Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stir in the peas. Pop a lid on and let them simmer gently for about 30 minutes, adding a splash of water during cooking as needed. Ensure the peas are soft and cooked through before removing from the heat.
- 3
Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook your pasta according to the packet instructions, aiming for a lovely al dente bite.
- 4
While the pasta is cooking, place the ricotta in a non-stick frying pan over a low heat. Use a fork to break it down into a creamy texture. Drizzle in a little olive oil and add 1 to 2 ladlefuls of the pasta cooking water, stirring continuously until you have a smooth, luscious sauce.
- 5
Drain the pasta and tip it into the pan with the ricotta cream. Toss well, ensuring every strand is lovingly coated.
- 6
Serve the pasta topped with 3 to 4 spoonfuls of the peas — or fold them through the ricotta sauce first if you prefer. Finish with a scatter of freshly ground black pepper and bring to the table for everyone to enjoy.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For an extra special touch, grate over some mature Sicilian pecorino cheese, which adds a wonderfully rich and aromatic depth.
- •
If you like a fresh, herbal note, toss in a few fresh mint leaves, gently torn to release their fragrance and brighten the dish.
- •
To build even more flavour, add a minced clove of garlic alongside the shallots, cooking it gently to avoid overpowering the natural sweetness of the peas.
- •
Choose Sicilian durum wheat pasta shapes like casarecce or busiate, which cling beautifully to the creamy sauce.
- •
The secret lies in the slow cooking of the peas and the silkiness of the ricotta—take your time to soften the ingredients and stir patiently to create a velvety finish.
- •
For a vegan twist, swap the ricotta for a whipped cream made from silken tofu blended with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of nutritional yeast to give a lovely savoury umami flavour.
📦 Storage
- • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge at around 4°C, ideally enjoying within two days to keep the freshness and creaminess intact.
- • To refresh the pasta, gently reheat it in a non-stick pan with a splash of water or vegetable stock, stirring carefully so the ricotta sauce doesn’t stiffen.
- • If you’re using fresh peas, keep them in a breathable bag or container in the fridge to preserve their flavour and texture for up to three days.
🍷 Pairing
- •
This dish pairs beautifully with a Sicilian white like Grillo from the Contea di Sclafani region, whose crisp acidity and citrus notes highlight the delicate ricotta and sweet peas.
- •
Alternatively, a Trapani Insolia offers a floral aroma and aromatic balance that complements the softness of the pasta.
- •
For a lovely out-of-region option, try a Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi—a light, mineral white that amplifies the simple, clean flavours of the dish.
I really hope you give this delightful Sicilian springtime pasta a go at home—it’s one of those dishes that’s as comforting as it is refreshing. Perfect for sharing with loved ones over a sunny lunch or a laid-back supper, it’s sure to bring a touch of Italian warmth and joy to your table. Don’t forget to savour every creamy, sweet bite and share your experience with friends and family—good food is, after all, best enjoyed together!
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