Pasta Alla Giadzy

Name: Pasta Alla Giadzy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6

15 MINPrep Time

15 MINCook Time

6Servings

by Giadzy

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Photo Credit: Elizabeth Newman

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Part pesto, part alfredo, all delicious: this Giadzy original creation is Giada’s newest weeknight go-to, and once you try it, you’ll understand why. What makes this sauce completely unique is using an entire meyer lemon - yes, skin, seeds and all! - in the recipe. It adds the perfect elements of sweet, sour, and just the perfect touch of bitterness to offset the remaining rich ingredients. It all comes together to make a sauce that’s so deliciously creamy, but with the heft of pesto from the toasted almonds and ricotta cheese. It’s truly delicious.

Serve this pasta alongside any of your favorite proteins, like Giada’s weeknight chicken thigh parmesan or beef.

Pasta Alla Giadzy

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Servings

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup slivered almonds
2 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
1 Meyer lemon, scrubbed clean, ends trimmed off and lemon roughly chopped
1 cup whole milk ricotta
⅓ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon chili flakes
1 ½ cups grated parmesan cheese, divided

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⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

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1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 pound mezzi rigatoni

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½ cup basil, torn
Grated parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

Add the slivered almonds to a medium skillet and heat over medium. Stir occasionally until the almonds are fragrant and lightly toasted, about 5 minutes. Turn the heat off and remove to a plate to cool slightly.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the slightly cooled almonds and garlic to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the chopped lemon and pulse until finely chopped. Add the ricotta, heavy cream, chili flakes, 1 cup of the parmesan cheese, olive oil and salt; process until well combined. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and add to the bowl with the sauce. Add the remaining ½ cup of parmesan cheese and stir to combine. Add ½ cup of the pasta water to loosen up the sauce. Stir, adding more pasta water if necessary, until the sauce is glossy and coating all of the rigatoni. Top with basil and extra parmesan cheese, serve immediately.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Serving Size: 6
per serving: Calories; 736

Amount/Serving % Daily Value

Carbs: 66 grams
Protein: 30 grams
Fat: 41 grams
Saturated Fat: 14 grams
Cholestrol: 60 milligrams
Sodium: 499 milligrams
Fiber: 5 grams
Sugar: 4 grams

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7 comments

Frank - Aug 30

This sounds so yummy Can I double this recipe without it being overpowering.
Linda - Jul 23

Can I use a regular lemon? I’m unable to get a Meyer lemon.

The Giadzy Kitchen - Jul 23
Ciao Linda! Yes, you can use a regular lemon if you can’t find a Meyer lemon. Just note that regular lemons are more acidic and less sweet, so the flavor might be a bit tangier and less floral.
Heather - Jul 16

Can I use preserved Meyer lemon?

The Giadzy Kitchen - Jul 16
Ciao Heather! You can use preserved Meyer lemon in place of a fresh one, but it will affect the flavor and saltiness. Use sparingly and adjust other seasonings.
Fabiola - Jul 05

Looks delicious, wonder if I can not find Meyer lemon . Can I use the sorry to lemon oil?

The Giadzy Kitchen - Jul 05
Absolutely! Lemon oil can be a potent substitute for Meyer lemon in recipes. Just start with a small amount and adjust to taste for that zesty flavor punch!