Spicy Unstuffed Shells with Whipped Ricotta
Spicy Unstuffed Shells with Whipped Ricotta
Introduction
Have you ever craved the comforting flavors of stuffed shells but didn’t have the time or patience to assemble them? Look no further than this delicious recipe for Spicy Unstuffed Shells with Whipped Ricotta. This dish takes all the classic flavors of stuffed shells and transforms them into a quick and easy weeknight meal. With a spicy kick and a creamy whipped ricotta topping, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
While stuffed shells are a traditional Italian dish, this recipe puts a unique twist on the classic by skipping the stuffing step. Instead, the pasta shells are cooked separately and then combined with a flavorful tomato sauce and a spicy sausage mixture. The whipped ricotta topping adds a creamy and tangy element that perfectly balances out the heat from the sausage.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why you’ll fall in love with this Spicy Unstuffed Shells with Whipped Ricotta recipe:
1. Easy and Quick: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want a delicious home-cooked meal.
2. Bursting with Flavor: The combination of spicy sausage, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy whipped ricotta creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
3. Versatile: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the level of spiciness, add extra vegetables, or swap out the sausage for ground beef or turkey.
4. Family-Friendly: This dish is a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy. The heat from the sausage can be easily adjusted to accommodate different spice tolerances.
Ingredients
To make this Spicy Unstuffed Shells with Whipped Ricotta recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
– 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own Spicy Unstuffed Shells with Whipped Ricotta:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, cook the spicy Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Once browned and cooked through, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Prepare the Whipped Ricotta
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil. Use a hand mixer or whisk to whip the ingredients together until light and fluffy.
4. Combine the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta shells, cooked sausage, and tomato sauce. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Bake and Serve
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes. Serve the Spicy Unstuffed Shells with a dollop of the whipped ricotta on top and garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are some expert tips to ensure your Spicy Unstuffed Shells with Whipped Ricotta turns out perfectly:
– Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by using mild or hot Italian sausage, or by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
– For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative or use a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
– Make sure to whip the ricotta mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This will give it a smoother texture and make it easier to dollop onto the dish.
– If you prefer a cheesier dish, you can sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
Variations and Substitutions
There are endless possibilities for customizing this Spicy Unstuffed Shells with Whipped Ricotta recipe:
– Vegetarian Option: As mentioned earlier, you can swap the spicy Italian sausage for a plant-based alternative or use a combination of sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
– Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells instead of regular ones to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
– Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition. Some great options include diced bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.
Serving Suggestions
Spicy Unstuffed Shells with Whipped Ricotta pairs well with a variety of side dishes and beverages:
– Garlic Bread: Serve the dish with a side of warm garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
– Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy flavors of the dish.
– Red Wine: Pair this recipe with a glass of your favorite red wine, such as a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or a spicy Zinfandel.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about Spicy Unstuffed Shells with Whipped Ricotta:
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as the dish will be cold from the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: While jumbo pasta shells are traditional for this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other pasta shapes, such as rigatoni or penne. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.
Final Thoughts
Spicy Unstuffed Shells with Whipped Ricotta is a dish that combines the best flavors of stuffed shells without the hassle of stuffing each shell individually. With its spicy kick and creamy whipped ricotta topping, this recipe is sure to impress your friends and family. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
Spicy Unstuffed Shells with Whipped Ricotta
A delicious and easy weeknight meal that combines the classic flavors of stuffed shells with a spicy twist and creamy whipped ricotta topping.
Ingredients
- 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the spicy Italian sausage in a skillet, then remove and set aside. Sauté onion and garlic in the same skillet. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes.
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In a bowl, whip ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil until light and fluffy.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine cooked pasta shells, sausage, and tomato sauce in a baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
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Serve the Spicy Unstuffed Shells with a dollop of whipped ricotta on top and garnish with additional fresh basil.