Ingredients

Sea salt

1 1/4 lbs thick aparagus,ends trimmed

1 lb penne

1 clove garlic,peeled

15 oz whole milk ricotta

2 tblsp olive oil

2/3 cup grtd parmesan cheese

Preparation

Bring large pot of water to boil,add salt Add asparagus:cook until tender/firm(4min); lift out w/tongs transfer to ice bath; cut into 1/4 slices,leaving tips intact

Bring water back to boil,add penne

Rub lrg serving bowl w/garlic Add ricotta,olive oil & 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water;blend

When the pasta is done,drain it(reserving some water) and add it to the ricotta mixture. Top w/asparagus and half the parmesan,then fold everything together.Season w/salt,adding reserved pasta water if needed.

Divide among 4 bowls and sprinkle with remaining cheese.