Are you ready to transform a simple pasta dish into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds? This Pasta Shells with Garlic and Herbs recipe is your ticket to an effortless, mouth-watering meal that combines the rich, aromatic flavors of fresh herbs and perfectly sautéed garlic with tender pasta shells. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make – perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta shells
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (basil, parsley, oregano)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water to ensure the pasta is well-seasoned.
- Once the water is boiling, add the 12 oz of pasta shells. Stir gently to prevent the shells from sticking together. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until the shells are al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the garlic and herbs. Mince 4 cloves of garlic finely and chop the fresh herbs (basil, parsley, and oregano) until you have about 1/4 cup combined. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta shells in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta shells to the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Toss gently to combine, ensuring that the pasta is well coated in the garlic oil.
- If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the chopped fresh herbs and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the pasta shells warm, drizzling with a little extra olive oil if desired, and garnish with additional fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese if you like.
Tips
- Salt is your flavor friend: Use plenty of salt in your pasta water to ensure the shells are seasoned from the inside out.
- Watch your garlic carefully: Sauté garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. The moment you smell its aroma, it's ready!
- Reserve pasta water: This starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating a silky, clingy sauce that helps herbs and garlic stick to every shell.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: Use a mix of herbs at their peak freshness for the most vibrant flavor. If possible, chop them just before adding to the dish.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente is key – the shells should have a slight bite to them, not be mushy.
- Optional upgrade: For extra richness, finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
