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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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