Name: Unstuffed Spicy Tomato Basil Shells with Whipped Ricotta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound jumbo pasta shells; 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 pound ground spicy Italian chicken sausage; 3 shallots, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano); 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme); 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes; 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste; 1 (14 ounce) can San Marzano tomatoes (crushed); Kosher salt and black pepper to taste; 2 cups chopped greens, such as kale, spinach, or chard; 1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped; Zest and juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons juice); 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, whipped in the food processor if desired

Unstuffed Spicy Tomato Basil Shells with Whipped Ricotta

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Unstuffed Spicy Tomato Basil Shells with Whipped Ricotta is a delightful twist on classic stuffed pasta, combining the flavors of spicy chicken sausage with creamy ricotta and fresh basil. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. With a rich tomato sauce and a burst of zesty lemon, every bite is packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing guests, this dish is sure to please!

Author: Julia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Category: Main
Method: Boiling, Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound jumbo pasta shells
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 pound ground spicy Italian chicken sausage
3 shallots, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano)
2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 (14 ounce) can San Marzano tomatoes (crushed)
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups chopped greens, such as kale, spinach, or chard
1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
Zest and juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons juice)
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, whipped in the food processor if desired

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente, reserving some cooking water.
2. In a skillet, brown the chicken sausage, then add shallots, garlic, herbs, and red pepper flakes. Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, simmering until thickened.
3. Fold in the chopped greens until wilted. Combine with pasta shells and adjust sauce consistency as needed.
4. Prepare a basil lemon drizzle by mixing olive oil, basil, lemon zest, and juice.
5. Serve by spreading whipped ricotta in bowls and topping with shells and sauce, finishing with the drizzle.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 380
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 710mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Find it online: https://juliataste.com/unstuffed-spicy-tomato-basil-shells-with-whipped-ricotta/