Three-Cheese Ziti with Ricotta, Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes

By kelsa94

This delicious, cheesy pasta dish is great for feeding families in the late spring and early summer when asparagus and tomato seasons overlap.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces ziti or penne pasta
• 3/4 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut diagonally into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Preparation

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until almost tender, about 7 minutes. Add the asparagus and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta and asparagus are tender, about 3 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the ricotta and the reserved cooking liquid until creamy. Add the pasta mixture, mozzarella, Parmesan and basil and toss until well mixed. Serve at once