Ingredients
Let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to bring this delightful recipe to life:
- 12 ounces of spaghetti
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest of one lemon
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional, for garnish)
Feel free to substitute fresh cranberries with dried ones if necessary — just soak them in warm water beforehand to plump them up. You can also swap pine nuts for walnuts if desired.
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Here are the step-by-step instructions to create this flavorful dish:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the cranberries to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to burst.
- Lower the heat and add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing gently to combine with the cranberries and garlic.
- Stir in the ricotta and parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheeses melt and coat the pasta. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Add the fresh basil, gently tossing to combine everything.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with toasted pine nuts, if using.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International