Indulge in the delightful flavors of this quick and convenient pasta dish, featuring a creamy and slightly sweetened ricotta sauce. While the idea of a ricotta sauce may sound simple, achieving the perfect texture and coating for the pasta requires some expert execution. Many recipes fall short, leaving us with grainy cheese that fails to coat the pasta effectively. But fear not! We’ve mastered the art of creating a velvety ricotta sauce by combining the cheese with a touch of butter for richness and goat cheese for a tangy kick. To further enhance the sauce’s consistency, we add a splash of hot pasta cooking water, creating a smooth and luscious coating that envelops each bite. Bite-size shells serve as the perfect vessel for holding onto this delectable ricotta sauce, while the addition of roasted red peppers and crisped prosciutto brings color, sweetness, and crunch to this heavenly pasta dish. So, let’s dive into the preparations and savor this irresistible pasta creation that’s perfect for an intimate dinner for two!
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 ounces (½ cup) whole-milk or part-skim ricotta cheese
- 2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (½ cup)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
- 1½ teaspoons olive oil
- 2 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into ¼-inch strips
- 1 small onion, chopped fine
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 8 ounces (2 cups) small shells
- 1 cup jarred roasted red peppers, rinsed, patted dry, and chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
PREPARATIONS:
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta, goat cheese, butter, balsamic vinegar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper together until well combined.
- Cook the olive oil and prosciutto in an 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until the prosciutto becomes browned and crisp, which takes about 5 minutes. Transfer the crisped prosciutto to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon.
- In the same skillet with the remaining fat, cook the chopped onion over medium heat until softened and lightly browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant for about 30 seconds. Transfer this mixture to the bowl with the ricotta mixture.
YIELD: 2 servings
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Other pasta shapes can be used in place of shells, but the cup measurements may vary. (Refer to the link provided.)
TIPS:
- To achieve a velvety ricotta sauce, whisk in a quarter cup of reserved pasta cooking water into the ricotta mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle individual portions with crisped prosciutto and fresh basil before serving.
In conclusion, this pasta with creamy ricotta sauce is the epitome of simplicity, convenience, and delectable flavors, making it the perfect choice for a delightful meal for two. While many recipes often fall short, producing grainy and lackluster cheese sauces, our expert execution elevates this dish to new heights of culinary excellence. The addition of goat cheese adds a delightful tanginess to the ricotta, while a touch of butter imparts a rich and creamy texture. The magic lies in whisking in a splash of the hot pasta cooking water, creating a luscious sauce that perfectly coats each shell, ensuring an exceptional flavor experience with every bite.
The choice of bite-size shells as the pasta of choice proves to be ideal, as their cup-like shape efficiently holds onto the velvety ricotta sauce, ensuring an even distribution of flavors. To elevate the dish further, we introduce roasted red peppers, infusing the pasta with vibrant color and a delightful sweetness that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. And let’s not forget the crisped prosciutto, adding a satisfying crunch that elevates the dish to a whole new level of texture and taste.
As with any culinary creation, there’s room for experimentation and personalization. While the shells shine in this recipe, feel free to swap them for other pasta shapes if you wish. Just remember to adjust the cooking time and cup measurements accordingly. Additionally, consider adding some sautéed spinach or sundried tomatoes for an extra burst of color and nutrients. This dish provides the perfect canvas for culinary creativity.
Nutritionally speaking, this pasta dish strikes a balance between indulgence and wholesomeness. The combination of ricotta and goat cheese offers a source of protein and calcium, contributing to bone health and muscle function. The inclusion of roasted red peppers infuses the dish with vitamins and antioxidants, while the prosciutto provides a dose of protein. With a simple yet rich and nourishing combination of ingredients, this pasta with creamy ricotta sauce can be incorporated into a well-balanced diet.
In conclusion, savor the pleasures of this quick and heavenly pasta dish, where the creamy ricotta sauce meets the sweetness of roasted red peppers and the crunch of crisped prosciutto. From the first bite to the last, this delightful creation will leave you enchanted with its flavors and textures. Whether it’s a special date night or a cozy dinner for two, this pasta with creamy ricotta sauce is sure to impress and become a beloved favorite.
