Introduction
Indulge in the creamy and spicy flavors of this delicious jumbo pasta shell dish. Infused with a rich vodka sauce and creamy ricotta, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion. Follow along to create an unforgettable meal that combines simplicity and elegance.
Ingredients
20 to 25 jumbo pasta shells
2 shallots, diced
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup tomato paste
6 tablespoons vodka
2/3 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup ricotta cheese
2/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 bunch fresh basil, chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Directions
1. Prepare the Pasta:
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
– Cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente, according to package instructions.
– Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Spicy Vodka Sauce:
– In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
– Add the diced shallots and cook until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
– Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
– Add the tomato paste, stirring continuously, and cook for about 5 minutes until it deepens in color.
– Carefully pour in the vodka, stirring to combine, and let it simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off.
– Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
– Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
– Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the spicy vodka sauce, gently tossing to ensure each shell is well-coated.
4. Assemble the Dish:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
– Dollop the ricotta cheese over the top of the pasta.
– Sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the dish.
5. Bake:
– Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
– Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly.
– Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top before serving.
– Serve warm and enjoy your spicy vodka unstuffed shells.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Pasta:
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
– Cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente, according to package instructions.
– Drain and set aside.
Make the Spicy Vodka Sauce:
– In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
– Add the diced shallots and cook until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
– Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
– Add the tomato paste, stirring continuously, and cook for about 5 minutes until it deepens in color.
– Carefully pour in the vodka, stirring to combine, and let it simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off.
– Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
– Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
– Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the spicy vodka sauce, gently tossing to ensure each shell is well-coated.
Assemble the Dish:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
– Dollop the ricotta cheese over the top of the pasta.
– Sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the dish.
Bake:
– Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
– Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly.
– Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top before serving.
– Serve warm and enjoy your spicy vodka unstuffed shells.
Notes
Ingredient Suggestions:
– For a more intense flavor, consider using homemade tomato sauce instead of tomato paste.
Serving Suggestions:
– This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions:
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
– Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in individual portions.
Cook techniques
Cooking Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before adding the jumbo pasta shells. Cook them until they are al dente according to the package instructions. This ensures the pasta maintains its shape and texture when combined with the sauce.
Sautéing Aromatics
Melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add diced shallots and cook until they are translucent. Next, add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking them briefly until fragrant. This technique builds the flavor base for the sauce.
Making a Sauce
Incorporate tomato paste into the sautéed aromatics, cooking it for about five minutes until its color deepens. The addition of vodka should be done carefully, allowing it to simmer to cook off the alcohol. Then, stir in heavy cream for a smooth, creamy texture.
Combining Ingredients
After preparing the sauce, gently toss the cooked jumbo pasta shells in the skillet with the spicy vodka sauce. This ensures that each shell is well-coated and flavorful.
Assembling and Baking
Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a baking dish. Add dollops of ricotta cheese on top, followed by a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Baking at 375°F (190°C) allows the cheeses to melt and creates a bubbly, delicious topping.
Garnishing
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the top before serving. This adds a fresh flavor and enhances the presentation of the dish.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of jumbo shells?
Yes, you can substitute with other types of pasta, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve al dente texture.
Is it possible to make the sauce without vodka?
Absolutely; you can omit the vodka or replace it with a splash of vegetable or chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pasta and sauce mixture in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
What can I serve with spicy vodka unstuffed shells?
This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This creamy and flavorful spicy vodka unstuffed pasta shells dish is a delightful combination of rich tastes and textures. The balance of heat from the crushed red pepper flakes and the creaminess of the ricotta and heavy cream creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The fresh basil adds a burst of freshness, making this dish not only delicious but also visually appealing. Enjoy this pasta dish as a satisfying dinner option that’s sure to impress your guests or family.
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Combine spinach, ricotta cheese, and a touch of nutmeg to create a delicious filling for your jumbo shells, then smother them in marinara sauce and top with mozzarella before baking.
Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce
Fill your pasta shells with a mixture of seasoned ground beef, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese, and then cover with hearty meat sauce before baking until bubbly.
Vegetable Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Use a creamy Alfredo sauce, and fill the shells with a mixture of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a lighter vegetarian option.
Classic Pesto Shells
Stuff the pasta shells with a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and basil pesto, then bake them in a simple tomato sauce for a vibrant flavor profile.
Seafood Stuffed Shells
Consider a seafood twist by filling the shells with a mixture of shrimp and crab, combined with ricotta and a hint of lemon zest, topped with a creamy white sauce.
