Shells with Tomato Basil
Indulge in the simple yet vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cooking with this Shells with Tomato Basil recipe. Perfectly al dente pasta shells are tossed in a light, aromatic sauce of sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and fragrant garlic, brought together with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a salty, creamy finish, while optional red pepper flakes provide a touch of heat for those who love a spicy kick. This 30-minute pasta dish is both quick and elegant, ideal for busy weeknights yet refined enough for a dinner party. Serve it as a standalone vegetarian meal or pair it with your favorite side salad and crusty bread for a complete feast. Fresh, wholesome, and bursting with flavor, this recipe is sure to become your go-to for easy comfort food with a gourmet twist.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces medium pasta shells
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 count garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 4 quarts water (for boiling)
Instructions
Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water.
Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
Add the halved cherry or grape tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices.
Stir in the chopped basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Toss the cooked pasta shells into the skillet with the tomato basil sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
449 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.7 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.4 g | 17% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 423 mg | 18% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 66.5 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.6 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 16.0 g | 32% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 164 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 402 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
