Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Serves 4 This tastes like so much more work than it is. Creamy, a little spicy, and a crowd pleaser. Easy to double for a group!

Ingredients

• 1 lb pasta (I like shells or penne - gnocchi if you feel wild)

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 1 Tbsp garlic, finely minced

• ⅔ cup tomato paste

• 1⅓ cup heavy cream

• 1–2 tsp red pepper flakes (to taste) (be careful - it gets hot quick!)

• 1.5 tbsp jarred pesto

• Fresh basil to taste

• Salt and pepper

• ½ cup grated parmesan (more to taste)

• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter

• ½ cup ricotta