Shells with Ricotta, Basil and Lemon

Serves 6 in 30 minutes or fewer.

Toasted breadcrumbs give this dish an authentic touch.

1 lb. medium-size dried pasta shells or rigatoni
2 tsp. olive oil
3/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs
2 cups low-fat ricotta cheese (15 oz.)
3 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. lemon zest
16 fresh basil leaves, sliced into thin ribbons
1 lemon, cut in wedges

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs, and sauté 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown.

Combine ricotta, lemon juice and zest in warm serving bowl. Fold in basil; season to taste with salt and pepper.

Toss pasta with ricotta mixture until well coated. Taste, and adjust seasonings if necessary. Sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs, and garnish with lemon wedges.

PER SERVING: 394 CAL; 20G PROT; 6.5G TOTAL FAT (3G SAT. FAT); 65G CARB; 27MG CHOL; 437MG SOD; 3G FIBER; 5G SUGARS

Vegetariantimes: 30 Minutes - No-Cook Pasta Sauces

Spaghettini with Walnuts and Parsley Pesto

Serves 6 in 30 minutes or fewer.

Parsley pesto is a light alternative to basil or sun-dried tomato versions. When storing any homemade or prepared pesto in the fridge, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top of the sauce before closing the lid. The oil seals out the air and keeps the sauce a bright, vibrant green for weeks.

1 lb. spaghettini
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
4 cups Italian parsley leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 to 5 cloves garlic, minced (1 to 1 1/2 Tbs.)
1 medium-size cucumber, peeled, seeded and finely chopped

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.

Toast walnuts in skillet over medium heat 3 to 4 minutes, or until browned and fragrant, shaking often.

Place parsley, cheese, oil, lemon juice and garlic in bowl of food processor. Pulse several times, or until parsley is finely chopped. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving bowl.

Add walnuts, cucumber and hot pasta to pesto. Toss to combine. Taste, and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve immediately.

PER SERVING: 471 CAL; 15G PROT; 18G TOTAL FAT (3G SAT. FAT); 63G CARB; 6MG CHOL; 323MG SOD; 4G FIBER; 2G SUGARS

Vegetariantimes: 30 Minutes - No-Cook Pasta Sauces