Quick Spicy Tomato Basil Shells with Whipped Ricotta Recipe

Creamy whipped ricotta transforms these spicy tomato basil shells into a culinary masterpiece that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Pasta lovers rejoice with a dish packed with bold Mediterranean flavors.

Tender shells cradle a vibrant sauce bursting with fresh ingredients.

Every bite promises a perfect balance of heat and comfort.

Bright basil leaves add a zesty punch to the rich, creamy backdrop.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe brings restaurant-quality magic to your kitchen table.

You’ll find yourself craving these irresistible shells again and again.

Spicy Tomato Basil Shells with Whipped Ricotta Guide

• Easily adjust red pepper flakes to match personal heat preferences, allowing everyone from mild-loving to spice-enthusiast to enjoy this dish.
• Classic pasta shells with a zesty tomato sauce provide a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both adults and kids, making dinnertime enjoyable for everyone.
• Whipped ricotta adds a luxurious, creamy element that transforms a basic pasta dish into a restaurant-worthy experience without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Tomato Basil Shells

• Pasta Shells: Small, curved pasta that catches and holds the sauce beautifully.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Olive Oil: Provide a rich, tangy base for the spicy sauce.
• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Add bold, spicy flavor and aromatic depth to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Brings a bright, herbal freshness to the tomato sauce.

• Ricotta Cheese, Milk: Create a smooth, light, and creamy topping that balances the spicy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish that adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the recipe.

How to Make Spicy Tomato Basil Shells

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop the shells into the bubbling water and cook until they reach that perfect al dente texture.

Once done, carefully drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Grab a large skillet and warm some olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in finely minced garlic and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Let these ingredients dance together, releasing their aromatic magic until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden.

Step 3: Build Vibrant Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves (torn into pieces)

Let the sauce simmer and bubble gently, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Season with a pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper to enhance the taste profile.

Step 4: Whip Creamy Ricotta

In a separate bowl, transform the ricotta into a silky smooth mixture.

Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the ricotta with a splash of milk.

Whip until the texture becomes light, airy, and luxuriously creamy.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Toss the cooked pasta shells directly into the spicy tomato sauce, ensuring each shell gets a perfect coating.

Transfer to serving plates and crown each portion with a generous dollop of the whipped ricotta.

For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan on top if desired.

Tips for Perfect Tomato Basil Shells

• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your spice tolerance, using less for milder palates or more for serious heat lovers.
• Use room temperature ricotta and blend with a hand mixer for ultra-creamy, light texture without lumps.
• Chop extra fresh basil just before serving to add bright, aromatic flavor and enhance the dish's freshness.
• Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water to help sauce cling better to shells and create a silkier consistency if needed.
• Toss in spinach or zucchini during sauce simmering for extra nutrition and to make the meal more substantial.

Storing and Reheating Tomato Basil Shells

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate the whipped ricotta to maintain its texture.
• Pack the pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container, avoiding adding ricotta. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated through, then top with freshly whipped ricotta.

Pairing Suggestions for Tomato Basil Shells

• Pair Perfectly with Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the spicy tomato sauce, cutting through its richness with balanced acidity.
• Enhance with Crispy Garlic Bread: Create a crunchy side that soaks up the delicious sauce, adding texture and extra garlic flavor to complement the pasta's spiciness.
• Serve Alongside Fresh Arugula Salad: Dress a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, tangy contrast that balances the rich and spicy pasta dish.
• Match with Chilled Prosecco: Select a sparkling Italian white wine to cleanse the palate and offer a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spicy tomato shells.

Flavor Variations for Tomato Basil Shells

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap traditional pasta shells with gluten-free rice or chickpea pasta shells for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace ricotta with cashew cream or silken tofu blended until smooth. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta shells with zucchini noodles or roasted spaghetti squash strands. Keep the spicy tomato sauce and whipped alternative cheese topping.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add cooked ground turkey or crumbled plant-based protein to the tomato sauce for extra nutritional value and heartiness.

FAQs

• Why use red pepper flakes in this recipe?

Red pepper flakes add a delightful heat that enhances the tomato sauce, creating a spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and freshness of the basil.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder sauce. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to individual servings for customized heat levels.

• Is fresh basil necessary for this recipe?

Fresh basil provides the best flavor and aroma, but if unavailable, you can use dried basil. Just use about 1/3 of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

• What type of pasta shells work best for this dish?

Medium-sized pasta shells are ideal as they capture the sauce perfectly in their curves. Jumbo shells or smaller shell pasta can also work, but medium shells provide the best sauce-to-pasta ratio.

Spicy Tomato Basil Shells with Whipped Ricotta Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy tomato basil shells dance with creamy whipped ricotta, creating a Mediterranean-inspired pasta masterpiece. Savory, zesty, and irresistibly smooth, you’ll crave these shells that blend classic Italian flavors with modern culinary excitement.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) medium shell pasta
• 1 can (14 ounces or 400 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (20 grams) fresh basil, chopped

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquid and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream (for whipped ricotta)
• Optional: Grated Parmesan for garnish

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, generously salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta shells until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat. Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, gently sautéing until aromatic and garlic turns translucent.
3. Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, incorporating fresh torn basil leaves. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, developing rich flavors for approximately 10 minutes. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to enhance the sauce’s depth.
4. Transfer ricotta into a mixing bowl, introducing a splash of milk. Whip with a hand mixer or whisk until the texture becomes silky, light, and luxuriously smooth.
5. Reunite the cooked pasta shells with the spicy tomato sauce, ensuring each shell is generously coated. Plate the pasta, crowning each serving with a lavish dollop of whipped ricotta. Optional: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan for an additional layer of flavor.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for mild or extra spicy preferences.
• Use gluten-free pasta shells to make the dish celiac-friendly and accessible for all dietary needs.
• Fresh basil transforms the sauce, so choose bright green leaves without dark spots for maximum flavor intensity.
• Drain pasta slightly before fully cooked to allow finishing in the sauce, creating more cohesive texture and flavor absorption.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg