Orecchiette with Asparagus and Sausage

INGREDIENTS

slices day old bread, sourdough or french bread

3 tbsp

olive oil

1 lb

spicy sausage, casings removed

shallot, minced

garlic cloves, minced

1 lb

asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 tsp

salt

1 tsp

black pepper

1/2 tsp

crushed red pepper flakes

1 cup

ricotta cheese

1 tbsp

lemon zest

1 tbsp

fresh lemon juice

1 lb

orecchiette

2 cups

pasta cooking water, reserved

1 1/2 cups

frozen peas, thawed

1/2 cup

parmesan cheese, freshly grated