*  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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