Description
A vibrant pasta dish featuring tender shell pasta in a spicy tomato-basil sauce, topped with creamy whipped ricotta for a luxurious finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz medium shell pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream (for whipped ricotta)
- Optional: Grated Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes & Basil: Stir in crushed tomatoes and basil. Simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Whip the Ricotta: Blend ricotta with milk until smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Toss cooked shells with the spicy tomato sauce. Serve topped with a dollop of whipped ricotta and optional Parmesan.
Notes
- Substitute shell pasta with any short pasta like penne or rigatoni.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 410
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g