Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces short-shaped pasta
Cheese and Sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Herbs and Seasonings
- ½ cup chopped basil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pinch chili flakes
Shrimp and Oil
- 1½ lb shrimp
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Prepare Ricotta Sauce: While the water heats, whisk together ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until combined. Optionally, blend the mixture until smooth if a creamier texture is desired.
- Season Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Mix well to evenly coat.
- Sauté Shrimp: Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn opaque and are cooked through, about 3 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and ricotta sauce to the pan with the shrimp. Gradually pour in some of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce and create a creamy consistency, using only as much water as needed.
- Add Fresh Basil and Serve: Stir in the chopped basil gently to combine, then serve the pasta warm immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Blending the ricotta mixture will yield a smoother, creamier sauce, but it is optional based on texture preference.
- Use short-shaped pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli to hold the creamy sauce well.
- Adjust chili flakes to taste for desired spiciness.
- Reserve pasta water is key to achieving a rich, silky sauce without thinning it excessively.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
