Ingredients
Scale
Creating these dishes is about embracing the simplicity of quality ingredients, just as Mama Lou taught us. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
If you’re looking for substitutions, whole wheat flour can replace the all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor, and spinach can be added to the ricotta mixture for extra nutrition and color.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps, guided by the same passion that filled Mama Lou’s kitchen:
- On a clean surface, make a mound with the flour. Create a well in the center and add the eggs, olive oil, and salt.
- Using a fork, gradually mix the flour into the wet ingredients until a dough starts to form. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes. This is the perfect time to reminisce about the first pasta dish you ever made with your loved ones.
- Roll out the dough to your desired thickness and cut into strips for fettuccine or squares for ravioli.
- For the filling, mix the ricotta, Parmesan, and basil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place a teaspoon of filling onto the pasta squares, folding them over to seal the edges.
- In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta for 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, melt the butter and add the marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, then toss in the cooked pasta, coating it thoroughly with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
