Whole Wheat Pasta with Ricotta, Zucchini & Walnuts: A Hearty & Healthy Family Favorite

There’s something incredibly comforting about a simple pasta dish, especially one that evokes cherished childhood memories. This Whole Wheat Pasta with Ricotta, Zucchini, and Walnuts is more than just a meal; it’s a flavorful journey back to a time of family dinners and easy weeknight solutions. It’s a beautifully balanced and nourishing meal that your entire family is sure to adore, combining the creamy indulgence of ricotta with the fresh crispness of zucchini and the satisfying crunch of walnuts.

This delightful Whole Wheat Pasta with Ricotta, Zucchini and Walnuts was lovingly crafted in partnership with Fisher Nuts, an ode to my incredible mom, especially fitting for Mother’s Day. It’s a modern and enhanced version of a classic ricotta pasta dish that my mother prepared for me countless times throughout my upbringing, bringing a fresh perspective to a beloved family staple.

The Nostalgic Roots: A Childhood Favorite Reimagined

One particular dinner stands out vividly in my memory from my younger years: pasta with ricotta. While it might sound a bit unconventional to some, for me, it was the ultimate comfort food, essentially our family’s Italian take on the ubiquitous blue box mac and cheese. It was the epitome of simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious nourishment, a dish that always brought a sense of warmth and security to our dinner table.

My mom possessed an extraordinary talent for whipping up quick and delicious dinners using whatever ingredients were on hand. I like to believe I inherited this invaluable quality from her. Being able to conjure up a delightful meal on the fly is a skill I genuinely pride myself on, and I owe that adaptability and resourcefulness entirely to my mother. Ricotta, it seemed, was one ingredient my mom always had stashed in the fridge. We enjoyed it frequently growing up, whether stirred into pasta for a hearty dinner, scooped into a bowl with a sprinkle of sugar for a quick snack, or even creatively incorporated into desserts like cannolis. In fact, my nostalgic childhood consumption of ricotta directly inspired me to create my Honey Almond Ricotta Spread just last year, demonstrating ricotta’s incredible versatility beyond savory dishes.

Modernizing a Classic: Adding Flavor, Texture, and Nutrition

My own daughter shares my deep affection for ricotta. She absolutely loves it when I serve it with pasta, especially with meatballs! And both she and my youngest son devoured this new rendition of ricotta pasta when I prepared it for them recently. For this updated version, I wanted to introduce something a little different from my mom’s original recipe. I gently sautéed some fresh zucchini, adding a touch of vibrant color and a tender-crisp texture. To elevate the dish further, I incorporated chopped walnuts, providing a welcome boost of protein and an irresistible crunch. The earthy, slightly bitter notes of walnuts harmonize beautifully with the creamy ricotta and the subtle sweetness of the zucchini, creating a truly dynamic flavor profile. My daughter was quick to point out that the walnuts were her favorite part of this ricotta pasta dish, a testament to the delightful addition. I personally loved the complex texture and depth of flavor they brought to the meal, not to mention how incredibly simple it was to incorporate them.

A Perfect Weeknight Meal: Quick, Nutritious, and Delicious

This pasta dish is an absolute lifesaver for those evenings when you need a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss or mental effort. Its straightforward preparation makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, or even if you’re planning to cook a special meal for your own mom this Mother’s Day. The combination of whole wheat pasta, fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts creates a well-rounded and deeply gratifying dish that pleases both palate and pantry. Be sure to season generously with coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to bring out all the vibrant flavors, and of course, finish it with a copious amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that extra touch of savory indulgence.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its ability to deliver on all fronts: taste, nutrition, and ease. Whole wheat pasta provides essential fiber and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while ricotta offers a good source of protein and calcium. Zucchini adds vitamins and minerals, and walnuts are packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein. This makes the dish not just delicious, but a truly wholesome option for your family. Its simplicity means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying precious moments together around the dinner table.

I’d love to hear from you – what are some of your most cherished meals your mom prepared for you while you were growing up? Share your memories in the comments below!

Print Recipe

Whole Wheat Pasta with Ricotta, Zucchini and Walnuts

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

2 cups uncooked whole wheat pasta (such as penne, rotini, or fusilli)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium zucchini, trimmed and finely diced or cut into half-moon shapes
1/2 cup Fisher Nut Walnut Halves, roughly chopped for texture and flavor
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
A generous pinch of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, for serving and garnish

Directions:

Begin by cooking your whole wheat pasta according to the package directions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Ensure the water is well-salted before adding the pasta for optimal flavor.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced zucchini to the pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender-crisp but still retains a slight bite. Season generously with salt and pepper as it cooks to enhance its natural flavors.
Next, add the roughly chopped walnuts to the skillet with the zucchini. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, allowing the walnuts to lightly toast and release their aromatic oils. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor and irresistible crunch to the dish. Once done, turn off the heat.
When the pasta is ready, do not drain it completely in a colander. Instead, use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the zucchini and walnuts. This method allows some of the starchy pasta water to transfer with it, which is crucial for creating a silky, cohesive sauce. (Alternatively, you can drain the pasta in a strainer but be sure to reserve about a quarter cup of the starchy pasta water beforehand, adding it to the skillet along with the pasta.)
Once the cooked pasta is in the skillet, add the part-skim ricotta cheese. Gently fold the ricotta into the pasta, zucchini, and walnuts using a spatula or spoon. The residual heat from the skillet and pasta will help the ricotta melt slightly, creating a wonderfully creamy coating for the pasta. Continue folding until everything is well combined and the ricotta has achieved a smooth, luscious consistency.
Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more coarse salt and freshly ground pepper if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley can also add a nice touch. Enjoy this comforting and nutritious meal!

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More Easy & Delicious Weeknight Meal Ideas:

Looking for more simple yet flavorful dishes perfect for busy evenings or casual gatherings? These recipes offer fantastic inspiration:

Summer Shrimp Scampi | From Valerie’s Kitchen: A light and zesty pasta dish, perfect for warm weather.
Chicken Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry | Two Peas and Their Pod: A healthy and quick stir-fry alternative for noodle lovers.
Sheet Pan Balsamic Shrimp and Summer Vegetables | Taste and Tell: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor with this easy sheet pan meal.

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Fisher Nuts. All opinions, text, and culinary creations are authentically my own, reflecting my genuine experience with their products.

I have had the pleasure of working in partnership with Fisher Nuts for several years, a collaboration that has inspired me to create numerous delicious recipes featuring their high-quality, preservative-free nuts.
For more culinary inspiration and innovative ways to incorporate the goodness of nuts into your daily meals, explore my recipes below or visit the extensive recipe collection on Fisher Nuts’ official website. Discover how easily nuts can elevate the flavor and nutritional value of your everyday cooking:

Spring Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Walnuts: A vibrant and earthy salad packed with nutrients.
Toasted Almond Herbed Brown Rice: A aromatic and satisfying side dish.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts with Pecans: A comforting and hearty vegetable side, perfect for any season.
Asian Almond Slaw Salad: A crunchy and refreshing salad with an exotic twist.
Apple, Celery and Walnut Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette: A classic combination of flavors and textures in a delightful salad.
Walnut and Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms: An elegant and flavorful appetizer.
Honey Almond Flax Granola: A wholesome and delicious start to your day.