Creamy Garlic Shells Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Shells recipe is a quick and comforting pasta dish perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender mini shells coated in a rich, garlicky cheese sauce make for an irresistible meal that comes together in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

• 8 oz mini shell pasta
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves (pressed or minced)
• 2 Tablespoons gluten free flour (or all-purpose flour if not gluten free)
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup milk (any kind)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• Heaping 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a medium-sized pot of water to a boil. Add a small palmful of salt, then add the mini shell pasta. Cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a small to medium pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the pressed or minced garlic and sauté while stirring until the garlic becomes very fragrant and the smallest bits turn just barely golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the flour into the pot and cook while whisking continuously for about 30 seconds to form a roux.
4. Step 4: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk while whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Add dried parsley flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then whisk to combine.
5. Step 5: Increase the heat slightly and switch to stirring with a spatula. Cook the sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes. Adjust heat as needed to maintain a gentle bubble.
6. Step 6: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Step 7: Turn off the heat, add the cooked pasta to the sauce, and stir to combine thoroughly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Let the pasta sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
• Add cooked spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Use sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese instead of parmesan for a different cheese profile.
• Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness in the sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free butter, milk alternatives, and a vegan parmesan substitute to make this dish dairy-free while keeping it creamy and flavorful.

What if I don’t have mini shell pasta?

Any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni, ditalini, or small penne works well as a substitute in this recipe.

Creamy Garlic Shells Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 74 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Creamy Garlic Shells is a quick and comforting pasta dish featuring tender mini shell pasta coated in a rich, garlicky parmesan cream sauce. This easy recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a satisfying side.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz mini shell pasta

Sauce

• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves (pressed or minced)
• 2 Tablespoons gluten free flour (or all-purpose flour if not gluten free)
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup milk (any kind)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• Slightly heaping 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta: Bring a medium-sized pot of water to a boil and add a small palmful of salt. Add the mini shell pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Saute garlic: In a small to medium-sized pot, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the pressed or minced garlic cloves. Stir and sauté the garlic until it’s very fragrant and the smallest bits just start to turn golden brown. Be careful not to overcook or burn the garlic.
3. Add flour: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of gluten free flour (or all-purpose flour) over the garlic and butter mixture. Cook while whisking continuously for about 30 seconds to form a roux.
4. Cook sauce: Slowly pour in 3/4 cup chicken broth and 3/4 cup milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps, creating a smooth sauce. Add 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes, slightly heaping 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Increase the heat slightly, then switch to a spatula and stir continuously as the sauce simmers gently, thickening over 4-5 minutes. Reduce heat if needed to keep a gentle bubble.
5. Add cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
6. Combine pasta and sauce: Turn off the heat and add the drained pasta to the pot with the sauce. Stir well to combine so that all the shells are coated in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
7. Finish and serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Let the pasta sit for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly before serving warm.

Notes

• Use gluten free flour to keep this recipe gluten free; otherwise, all-purpose flour works fine.
• Milk can be any kind: dairy, almond, soy, or oat milk, depending on preference.
• Watch the garlic carefully when sautéing to prevent burning, which can cause bitterness.
• For vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: creamy garlic shells, mini shell pasta, garlic parmesan pasta, quick pasta recipe, gluten free pasta, easy weeknight dinner, creamy pasta sauce