Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450g) pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 pound (450g) asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup (225g) ricotta cheese, whole milk
  • 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice, fresh
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) lemon zest, fresh
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
  2. Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  4. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle or rectangle.
  5. Transfer the dough to parchment paper (optional). Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
  6. Arrange the asparagus pieces on top of the ricotta mixture.
  7. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
  8. Remove the pizza from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Slice and serve immediately.