Vermicelli with ricotta cream sauce

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
cupPart-skim ricotta cheese; room temperature
½cupSkim milk; room temperature
2tablespoonsImported Parmesan cheese; freshly grated
1teaspoonLemon rind; grated
¼teaspoonNutmeg; freshly grated
2tablespoonsChives; snipped OR
2tablespoonsTop part of green scallion
¼cupItalian parsley leaves; well packed
¼teaspoonCoarse salt; optional
½teaspoonWhite pepper; freshly grated
12ouncesVermicelli
2teaspoonsItalian parsley; minced for garnish

Directions

In food processor, place ricotta cheese, milk, Parmesan cheese, lemon rind, nutmeg, snipped chives, parsley, salt, and pepper. Process until chives are finely minced and ricotta has the texture of lightly whipped cream, about 45 seconds.

Cook pasta in 6 quarts boiling water with 2 tsp. coarse salt (optional) until al dente. Drain pasta and return to pot in which it was boiled. Quickly toss pasta with the cream sauce. Transfer to 4 pasta bowls. Garnish each with ½ tsp. parsley and serve.