*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                 PASTA WITH HERBED RICOTTA AND PINE NUTS

Recipe By     : 
Serving Size  : 4    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Main dish                        Pasta
                Cheese

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   8       oz           Pasta (preferably spinach)
   2       T            Softened margarine
     1/2   c            Pine nuts
   1       x            Sm Onion, chopped (1/4 cup)
     3/4   c            Ricotta cheese (part skim)
   2       T            Chopped fresh parsley
   1       T            Tarragon
   1       T            Lemon juice
     1/2   t            Grated lemon rind
     1/2   t            Pepper
   1       d            Ground pepper

  GARNISH: halved cherry tomatoes, parsley sprigs, sweet red pepper strips,
  steamed asparagus spears, or sauteed mushroom caps dusted with paprika.
  Boil a large pot of warer; cook pasta until al dente.
  While pasta is cooking, in a small skillet, melt margarine. Add pine nuts
  and onion, stirring occasionally over medium heat for about 5 minutes,
  until pine nuts are lightly browned and onion is softened. Set aside.
  In a small bowl, beat cheese with remaining ingredients. Stir in
  pine nuts and onion.
  When pasta is done, drain well; toss with sauce. Top with freshly ground
  pepper and garnishes.
  VARIATIONS: - substitute raw cashews for pine nuts
  ~ substitute basil for tarragon
  ~ add 1/2 c chopped, cooked spinach to ricotta-sauce mixture
 


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