The Amalfi Coast of the Campania region in Italy is 34 miles of majestic terrain with coastal cliffs displaying vibrant vegetation and multi-colored housing side by side with the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Amalfi Coast has been called by many “ heaven on earth.” Some of the more popular towns along the coast are Positano, Minori, Praiano, Vietri Sul Mare and Ravello.
500 year old lemon trees, 230 feet high overlook the port of Amalfi. Harvesting begins in February and continues till September. Limoncello is the signature liqueur of this area. A favorite light pasta dish is prepared with the lemons from the trees; a simple recipe of few ingredients will surprise you creating an intense lemony zingy flavored sauce.
Ingredients:
1. 12 oz of spaghetti or your choice of pasta
2. 1 cup of fresh ricotta cheese
3. 2 tbsps of extra virgin olive oil
4. ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
5. Salt and pepper to taste & red pepper flakes
6. Zest of 1 lemon (save some for garnish) & lemon
juice from ½ of lemon
7. Handful of chopped basil
8. Cup of pasta water
9. Added flavors , it’s your choice: arugula, toasted
bread crumbs
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta until it is al dente. Save a cup of
Pasta water.
2. In a saucepan, mix the ricotta, olive oil,
Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, lemon
zest, lemon juice and ¼ cup of pasta water.
Warm over medium heat and stir for about 1
minute, till a creamy sauce forms.
3. Strain the pasta and mix the sauce in.
Add some more pasta water, which will help the
sauce coat the pasta.
4. Add some fresh arugula (if desired) to the pasta
and stir.
5. Serve with chopped basil, arugula leaves and
sprinkle with some Parmesan cheese and the
remaining lemon zest and red pepper flakes.
Use your “culinary feel” when measuring the ingredients. It’s all about your own preference.
Delizioso!!
Love this recipe and place in Italy.
Favorite recipe😋