Healthy Recipes Healthy Ingredient Recipes Healthy Pasta and Noodle Recipes Green Goddess Ricotta Pasta 5.0 (1) Add your rating & review We take the flavors of green goddess dressing—lemon, anchovy and herbs—and use them as the base for a colorful, bright pasta sauce. We like a mix of basil, chives, parsley and tarragon, but you can mix herbs depending on what you have on hand. Adding ricotta to the sauce creates a luscious, velvety texture, while the acidity from the lemon juice balances out the creaminess. We use shells, which hold the pools of sauce well, but you could easily swap in another noodle if you prefer. To amp up the veggies even more, try adding asparagus or peas to the dish. By Julia Levy Julia Levy Julia Levy has been working in recipe publishing for almost a decade, but testing recipes for as long as she's been able to wield a spoon. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Published on April 20, 2023 Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Photographer: Sara Baurley, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle Active Time: 20 mins Total Time: 20 mins Servings: 4 Nutrition Profile: Egg-Free Healthy Pregnancy High-Protein Nut-Free Soy-Free Jump to Nutrition Facts Ingredients 8 ounces whole-wheat pasta shells 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons chopped shallot 1 teaspoon minced garlic ¾ teaspoon anchovy paste 2 cups packed baby spinach 1 cup chopped mixed fresh tender herbs (such as basil, chives, parsley and/or tarragon), plus more for garnish ⅔ cup part-skim ricotta cheese ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice ¼ teaspoon salt ¾ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided Directions Bring a large pot of water to boil; add pasta and cook according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup cooking water; drain the pasta and set aside. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic; cook, stirring often, until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add anchovy paste; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add spinach; cook, stirring constantly, until bright green and wilted, about 1 minute. Transfer the spinach mixture to a blender. Add herbs, ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice and salt; blend on medium-high speed until smooth and bright green, about 1 minute. Add 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, if necessary, to thin the sauce. Transfer the sauce to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pasta and 1/2 cup Parmesan; toss to coat until warmed through, about 1 minute, adding pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached. Divide the pasta among 4 bowls; sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. Garnish with additional herbs, if desired. To make ahead Refrigerate sauce (Steps 2-3) in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To serve, proceed with Step 4; add cooked pasta once the sauce is hot. Rate it Print Nutrition Facts (per serving) 393 Calories 16g Fat 49g Carbs 18g Protein Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe 4 Calories 393 % Daily Value * Total Carbohydrate 49g 18% Dietary Fiber 6g 21% Total Sugars 3g Protein 18g 36% Total Fat 16g 21% Saturated Fat 5g 25% Cholesterol 24mg 8% Vitamin A 2796IU 56% Vitamin C 19mg 21% Vitamin D 5IU 1% Vitamin E 1mg 9% Folate 60mcg 15% Vitamin K 228mcg 190% Sodium 547mg 24% Calcium 295mg 23% Iron 4mg 22% Magnesium 113mg 27% Potassium 407mg 9% Zinc 3mg 27% Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate. * Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.) (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs. Powered by the ESHA Research Database © 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved