12ozpenne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)about 3 ½ cups
1tbspolive oil
⅔cupricotta cheese
1small shallotfinely chopped (about 2 tbsp)
1canwhole canned tomatoesabout 21 oz / 2 ½ cups
1tspsalt
Black pepperto taste
½tspred chili flakes
For garnish:
1/4cupbasil leaves
1/4cupgrated Parmesan or more if you love cheese
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and the chopped shallot, then sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the shallot becomes soft and translucent.
Add the canned whole tomatoes to the pot and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Stir in the salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes to let the flavors develop.
Use an immersion blender to purée the tomatoes until the sauce is completely smooth and velvety.
Bring the sauce back to a gentle boil. Slowly add the ricotta, a little at a time, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the sauce becomes creamy and rich.
Meanwhile, cook the penne al dente in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain the pasta, then add it directly to the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of fresh basil leaves.