Easy Peasy Green Ricotta Pasta

When Michael Phelps was training for the Beijing Olympics he ate two pounds of pasta. Per meal. His side dishes were usually a couple of ham and cheese sandwiches or a pizza. Of course he was also burning something like 10,000 calories a day. I'm lucky if I exercise that much in a month and despite my love for Italian food I stayed away from pasta for many years because frankly, who can resist a huge plate of it enticingly slathered in butter, cream or some other decadent goodness? I don't have that kind of self control and envied anyone who did until a lightbulb went off and I realized that the key to guilt-free pasta is to make it at home, creatively using healthier ingredients and controlling portions. As a result I'm constantly experimenting with new ideas for fast, lower calorie recipes that still taste like a treat. Life is so much better now that we eat pasta once or twice a week, though I make just enough for two and when it's gone we tend to regretfully hover of the empty pot bartering over who gets each last drop of sauce. Here's my newest addiction: simple and healthy pasta infused with bright taste, beautiful color and lots of vitamins. Each ingredient will really shine in this dish, so use really fresh greens, whole milk ricotta, and good parmesan.