Mushroom Fusilli with Garlic Breadcrumbs

INGREDIENTS
1 box (16 oz.) fusilli pasta
1/2 container ricotta cheese
2 tbsp. EVOO
1 cup (2 oz.) fresh breadcrumbs
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
Salt and pepper
1 pkg. (10 oz.) mushrooms, sliced
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch squares
1 cup heavy cream

DIRECTIONS:
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot and stir in the ricotta, adding the reserved cooking water to thin the consistency as desired.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp. EVOO over medium-high heat; add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring often, until golden-brown, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Remove from the heat and stir in half of the parsley; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and wipe out the skillet.

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp. EVOO over medium high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, undisturbed for the first few minutes, until they have released all their liquid and are golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes, then stir in the cream. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the liquid is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.

Toss the pasta mixture with the mushroom cream sauce; stir in the remaining parsley. Sprinkle with the breadcrumbs before serving.