Description
Tender jumbo pasta shells coated in a rich tomato basil sauce and finished with creamy whipped ricotta for a comforting yet elegant Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces dry jumbo pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed and torn
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the ricotta cheese until smooth and creamy, then stir in half of the grated parmesan. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with salt and black pepper, then simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce and toss gently. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Fold in the torn fresh basil and sprinkle the remaining parmesan over the top.
- Add generous dollops of whipped ricotta and gently swirl it through the pasta.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help create a silky sauce texture.
- Do not overcook the pasta, al dente provides the best bite.
- Freshly grated parmesan melts better and enhances flavor.
- The tomato sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 35mg