Shell Pasta with Ricotta  

Conchiglie con Ricotta 

Pasta ca Ricuotta 

This simple dish is tasty, easy to make and very popular in Sicily .
It is made with few and healthy ingredients, and can be easily prepared in a short time.
Mr. Frank Curcurato suggested this recipe. Frank ’s grandmother, on the Sicilian side of his family, cooked “the pasta con ricotta” in the same manner as we do in my family. This dish was always served as soon as it came out of the pot and will be enjoyed if properly served in a warm bowl. 

Serves 4 to 6 

Ingredients  

• 1 lb. shell pasta 
• 1 lb. ricotta 
• salt and pepper to taste 
• Parmesan cheese or your preferred cheese 
• Some people prefer it without cheese to take pleasure in the taste of the ricotta  

Preparation 

The Pasta
Cook pasta in an abundant amount of salted water following manufacturer’s recommendation.  

The Ricotta
While the pasta is cooking, combine the ricotta with ½ cup of boiling water from the pasta pot, mix it until smooth.
When pasta is cooked drain and reserve 2 cups of pasta water, return the pasta to the pot. 

The Assembly
Keeping on a low flame, fold in the ricotta, add salt and pepper to taste.
If you feel that the macaroni are too dry add reserved water as needed.
Sprinkle some cheese and serve immediately.