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Creamy Garlic Pasta Shells

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Creamy Garlic Pasta Shells is a rich and indulgent dish featuring large pasta shells filled with a garlicky cream sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for any night of the week and can be served as a main course or paired with your favorite protein.

Ingredients

  1. 12 oz large pasta shells
    2 tablespoons butter
    4 cloves garlic, minced
    1 cup heavy cream
    ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
    1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh basil if preferred)
    1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra garlic flavor)
    ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    Salt and pepper, to taste
    Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
    Extra Parmesan for topping (optional)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain and set aside.

  1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  2. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  3. Add dried basil (or fresh basil), garlic powder (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Stir for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  4. Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk.
  • Try adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more flavor and nutrition.
  • For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper when sautéing the garlic.
  • If you want to make the dish dairy-free, use a non-dairy cream alternative and vegan butter.
  • This dish can be made with other pasta types like fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti if shells aren’t available.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/creamy-garlic-pasta-shells/