Your Corelle Double Ring Green dinner plates are more than just dishes; they’re a canvas waiting to be adorned with a meal that’s as vibrant and cheerful as their green and pink circles. For couples looking to create a fresh, affordable, and fun dinner experience at home, we’ve got the perfect recipe that will not only taste delicious but also pop beautifully against your stylish dinnerware.
This Spring Veggie & Lemon Ricotta Pasta is all about celebrating fresh, seasonal produce, keeping things light and zesty, and having a great time in the kitchen together. It’s naturally colourful, mirroring the playful elegance of your plates.
Fresh & Vibrant: We’re packing in spring vegetables like asparagus, peas, and spinach, ensuring a burst of flavour and a lovely green hue that complements your plates.
Affordable: Relying on seasonal vegetables and pantry staples, this meal won’t break the bank.
Fun & Collaborative: With simple steps and minimal fuss, it’s a great recipe to tackle as a team, making dinner prep part of the date!
Visually Stunning: The bright greens, pops of pink (from optional radish or a sprinkle of paprika), and creamy white ricotta will look absolutely gorgeous on your Corelle plates.
Relatable: It’s a comforting yet sophisticated pasta dish that’s perfect for a relaxed weeknight or a special weekend in.
Spring Veggie & Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Ingredients:
- 200g (approx. 7 oz) your favorite pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or farfalle work well)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely diced (or 1/4 small red onion)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch of asparagus, woody ends trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
- 2 large handfuls of fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or more to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: Fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced radishes (for a pink pop!), red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Sauté the Aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the Veggies: Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until tender-crisp. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes. Finally, add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Combine Everything: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the ricotta mixture. Add the 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. Toss well to combine, adding more pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice if desired.
Divide the pasta between your beautiful Corelle Double Ring Green dinner plates. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh mint leaves, and for that delightful pink accent, a few thinly sliced radishes or a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Or get creative with garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped pistachios could add another green crunch, or a few edible flowers could elevate the “pink” element.
To complement your vibrant main course and truly embrace the “green” on your dinnerware, consider adding a small side of briny green olives and crumbled feta cheese. These salty, tangy bites offer a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta and add another layer of Mediterranean flair to your meal. You can even drizzle them with a touch of good-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of dried oregano for extra flavour.
Light some candles, put on your favourite playlist, and open a bottle of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon. This Spring Veggie & Lemon Ricotta Pasta is an invitation to enjoy fresh flavours, quality time together, and the joy of creating something beautiful on your distinctively charming dinnerware.
