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Unstuffed Spicy Tomato Basil Shells with Whipped Ricotta.

Unstuffed Spicy Tomato Basil Shells with Whipped Ricotta

Delicious unstuffed spicy tomato basil shells topped with whipped ricotta make a hearty meal for any pasta lover.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 692 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • Food processor

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce Base

  • 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
  • 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ 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
  • 2 cups chopped greens, such as kale, spinach, or chard
  • 1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
  • 1 zest and juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons juice)
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese whipped in the food processor, if desired

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, remove 1 ½ cups of the pasta cooking water. Drain.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken sausage and brown all over, about 5 to 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the shallots, garlic, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook until the shallots begin to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, 1 cup pasta cooking water, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the greens, stirring until wilted. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Add the pasta shells and ½ cup basil, tossing to combine. If needed, thin the sauce with additional pasta cooking water.
  • In a small bowl, mix the remaining ¼ cup olive oil with the remaining ½ cup basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
  • Spread the ricotta cheese into the bottom of each pasta bowl. Spoon the shells and sauce over the ricotta. Drizzle the basil lemon sauce over top. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

To Make Vegetarian: omit the sausage and instead, when you add the shallots, also add 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, 1 teaspoon mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch each of salt and pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 692kcal
Keyword Basil, chicken sausage, pasta, spicy tomato, unstuffed shells, whipped ricotta
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