Garlic Butter Pasta Shells Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Butter Pasta Shells recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender pasta shells with a savory garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it delivers rich aroma and fresh parsley for a delightful finish.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces small or medium pasta shells (conchigliette)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 to 4 tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup parsley (finely chopped)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the garlic and butter to the pan, cooking and stirring constantly until the mixture is barely golden, about 1 to 2 minutes more.
4. Step 4: Stir in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar, then continue cooking for 1 minute before removing from heat.
5. Step 5: Cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente, then drain well.
6. Step 6: Combine the drained pasta with the garlic butter mixture in the pan. Add the chopped parsley and toss to coat evenly.
7. Step 7: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or water.
• Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving for extra richness.
• Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a heartier dish.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or thyme alongside parsley for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Avoid microwaving without adding liquid, as the pasta may dry out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of shells?

Yes, this recipe works well with other small to medium pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle. Just cook according to the package instructions.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

To make this vegan, replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth. Ensure the oil is olive or another preferred vegan oil.

Garlic Butter Pasta Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 186 reviews

A simple and flavorful Garlic Butter Pasta Shells recipe featuring tender pasta shells tossed in a savory garlic butter sauce with onion, balsamic vinegar, and fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces small or medium pasta shells (conchigliette)

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 to 4 tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup parsley (finely chopped)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Onion: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3. Add Garlic and Butter: Add the minced garlic and butter to the pan with the onion. Stir constantly and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, just until the garlic is fragrant and the butter is barely golden. Avoid over-browning.
4. Deglaze with Broth and Vinegar: Stir in 3 to 4 tablespoons of low-sodium chicken broth and 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar. Let the mixture cook for 1 minute to meld flavors, then remove the pan from heat.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta shells to the garlic butter sauce in the pan. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
6. Add Parsley and Season: Stir in the freshly chopped parsley. Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then toss again gently.
7. Serve Immediately: Plate the garlic butter pasta shells and serve warm for the best flavor and texture enjoyment.

Notes

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
• To make this dish vegetarian, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
• This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
• For a vegan version, replace butter with vegan margarine or additional olive oil.

Keywords: garlic butter pasta, pasta shells recipe, easy pasta dishes, Italian pasta recipes, garlic pasta