Description
Unstuffed Spicy Tomato Basil Shells with Whipped Ricotta is a flavorful dish that combines pasta shells, spicy tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 large pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 (28 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and red chili flakes; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Once the sauce has thickened slightly, mix in the chopped fresh basil leaves. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Using a hand mixer, whip until smooth and creamy.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom.
- Stuff cooked pasta shells with a generous spoonful of whipped ricotta and place them in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden.
- Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- Adjust red chili flakes to control spiciness.
- Use fresh basil for best flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg