A garlic, basil ricotta mixture is spooned into the simple of casserole of pasta, beans, and tomatoes, topped with breadcrumbs, and baked to make this great late summer or early fall dish.
INGREDIENTS (for 8 servings):
- 2 cups uncooked pasta shells
- 2 cups loosely packed fresh basil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 (15 ounce) cans white beans
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
PREPARATION:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water until done. Drain, and set aside. Meanwhile mince basil and garlic with Parmesan cheese. Transfer to a medium bowl, and mix with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Mix in ricotta.
In a saucepan, cook onions with thyme and bay leaf in 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir in beans and balsamic vinegar, and simmer for 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine beans, tomatoes, and pasta in a well oiled 2 quart casserole dish. Place spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture in the pasta and beans, and press down to cover. In a small bowl, moisten bread crumbs with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and sprinkle over casserole.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.