Spicy Tomato Basil Shells with Whipped Ricotta is a vibrant, comforting pasta dish that combines a rich, spicy tomato sauce with creamy, whipped ricotta. The large pasta shells hold the sauce beautifully, making this dish a perfect blend of heat, freshness, and creaminess.
Ingredients
For the Spicy Tomato Basil Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
For the Whipped Ricotta:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz large pasta shells
- Salt, for pasta water
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
- Make the Spicy Tomato Basil Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Add the sugar (if using), oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Whipped Ricotta:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the ricotta is too thick, add a little more cream or olive oil to achieve a smooth texture.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Once the pasta is cooked, gently toss the pasta shells with the spicy tomato basil sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
- Serve the pasta in bowls, and top with a dollop of whipped ricotta.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil and an extra drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips:
- Adjust the Spice Level: You can increase or decrease the amount of red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you like your pasta.
- Make Ahead: Both the spicy tomato sauce and whipped ricotta can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce gently before tossing with pasta.
- Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for extra protein.
- Vegetable Additions: Sauté spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers in the sauce for added veggies.
This Spicy Tomato Basil Shells with Whipped Ricotta is the perfect combination of heat, creaminess, and savory goodness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite!