A simple pasta dish that requires no more than a few minutes standing in front of a hot stove. Lets face it the less time spent at the stove during summers heat the better. With only a few ingredients this dish is simple to make but big on flavor. The white sauce requires no cook time (use the microwave to heat the milk), the pasta about 10 minutes and the bread crumb topping just a few minutes to toast. Tailor this dish to your taste, want it saucier add more ricotta and milk, love cheese, add more there is no wrong way to do this. Here’s how to make it:

White pasta with garlic parmigiano breadcrumbs

serves 2 or 3 depending on serving size

1/2 lb long pasta (spaghetti, linguine or whatever you like)

Sauce

2 cups ricotta cheese

1/2 c hot whole milk (heated in microwave or on stovetop)

1/4 c grated parmigiano or romano (or both)

salt and pepper to taste

Bread crumbs

1 1/2 c fresh bread crumbs

1/4 c grated parmigiano

handful flat leaf parsley

2 cloves garlic minced or grated

pinch of lemon zest (optional)

2 tbs butter

splash of olive oil (approximately 2 tbs)

In skillet melt butter and olive oil, add the garlic and cook just until its softened NOT BROWNED. Add the bread crumbs and continue to cook until bread is toasted. Remove from the heat and pour into a bowl, add the parmigiano, parsley and lemon zest. Stir to combine and set aside.

Bring large pot of water to a boil, salt generously. Cook pasta to your liking (al dente) heat the milk in microwave or on stovetop until hot. While pasta is cooking, to your serving bowl add the ricotta, grated cheese, hot milk stir to combine, add the hot drained pasta to the ricotta mixture (straight from the pot into the sauce), toss to coat and combine, salt and pepper to taste if desired. Top with the breadcrumbs, parsley, more grated cheese and serve.

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