Every note to this dish simply sings. You have the pasta shells coated in pesto and creamy ricotta cheese, topped with a homemade tomato sauce full of fresh basil; the dish is completed with a "healthy" topping of baked mozzarella. Feel free to add chicken strips to this recipe.
Ingredients
1 pound of small shell pasta
2 small shallots - diced
1 table of Olive Oil
2 cloves of garlic
1 (28-ounce) can crushed Italian tomatoes, any brand
14 Leaves of Basil - cut finely ( feel free to use less )
½ teaspoon of pepper
pinch of salt
½ teaspoon of Oregano
½ teaspoon of garlic powder
1 cup of basil pesto sauce
1 cup of ricotta cheese
2 cups of shredded mozzarella
Instructions
Use broiler - set to 375
Cook the pasta - al dente - meaning under cook the pasta by a few minutes.
Meanwhile - heat oil in a large skillet - add shallots and cook for 6 minutes then add garlic and cook for one more minute. Add tomatoes + seasonings. Allow to simmers - add basil.
Place pasta in a lightly oiled casserole dish
Mix in pesto and ricotta cheese
Top with sauce
Top with mozzarella cheese
Place in the over covered for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake till cheese is golden brown
Enjoy :)
Recipe by Budget Savvy Diva at https://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/2012/04/tomato-basil-cheese-pasta-bake-recipe/