Pasta with Bell Pepper and Ricotta Cream
Category: Pasta
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Mezze Maniche Rigate | 160g |
Red Bell Peppers | 250g |
Sheep’s Ricotta | 130g |
Cherry Tomatoes | 70g |
Fresh Basil Leaves | 6 leaves |
Garlic Clove | 1 |
Extra Virgin Olive Oil | As needed |
Fine Salt | As needed |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Bell Peppers
Begin by washing the bell peppers thoroughly. Remove the tops and stems, then slice them in half to remove the seeds. Cut the peppers into thin strips. -
Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes
Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. -
Cook the Vegetables
In a large pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic clove and let it infuse the oil for 2-3 minutes. Once fragrant, add the sliced bell peppers and halved cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt, then cover the pan with a lid. Let the vegetables cook for about 10 minutes or until softened, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, remove the garlic clove from the pan and set it aside. -
Prepare the Ricotta Cream
While the vegetables cook, take the ricotta and mash it well with a fork to ensure a smooth, creamy texture. -
Blend the Vegetables
After the peppers and tomatoes have finished cooking, transfer them to a tall blender or food processor. Add the fresh basil leaves and blend until you get a smooth, creamy consistency. If needed, you can add a bit of extra virgin olive oil to help blend the mixture more easily. -
Cook the Pasta
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the mezze maniche rigate according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a little bit of pasta water for later. -
Combine Everything
Return the creamy vegetable mixture to the pan and add the drained pasta. Stir to combine, adding the ricotta. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a small amount of pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. -
Serve
Serve the pasta with the bell pepper and ricotta cream immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy it hot for a delicious, creamy pasta dish!
This Pasta with Bell Pepper and Ricotta Cream is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of bell peppers and the richness of sheep’s ricotta. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal for two, itโs ideal for those who appreciate the simplicity of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite!