Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to culinary magic. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Zest of one lemon
If cranberries are out of season, you can substitute with dried cranberries soaked in warm water for 10 minutes to soften. For a vegan twist, swap the ricotta and Parmesan with their plant-based counterparts.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bring this delightful dish to your table:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the cranberries to the skillet and cook until they start to burst, about 5 minutes. This is a trick I learned from watching my grandmother coax flavors out of simple ingredients with time and patience.
- Stir in the broth, and let the mixture simmer for another 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add the ricotta and Parmesan, stirring until the cheeses melt into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, adding the reserved pasta water gradually to achieve the desired sauce consistency. The pasta should be well-coated and flavorful.
- Finish the dish with a sprinkle of lemon zest and fresh basil, adding a touch of brightness to each bite.
And there you have it — a dish that’s as vibrant as it is comforting, perfect for a cozy night in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International