Garlic Butter Pasta Shells Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/garlic-butter-pasta-shells-recipe/
