Margherita Style Gemelli Pasta

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the **pasta** __8-10 minutes__. Before draining, keep about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain and reserve.

2. Chop the **garlic**, the **shallot** and a few **basil leaves**. Cut the **cherry tomatoes** in half.

3. In a pan over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the **shallots** and cook __2-3 minutes__. Add the **garlic** and the **tomato paste** and cook for __1-2 minutes__. Add the **cherry tomatoes**, cook for __1-2 minutes__ and season with salt and pepper.

4. Add the **pasta** and a little of the **pasta cooking water**. Mix well and add the **Grana Padano** and the **chopped basil**.

5. Serve the **pasta**. Garnish with the **ricotta**, a drizzle of olive oil and the rest of the **basil leaves**. ##It’s possible to leave the toppings in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves.## Bon appétit!