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Creamy Roasted Garlic Parmesan Shells: Dinner Delight

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Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Roasted Garlic Parmesan Shells, a comforting pasta dish that combines sweet roasted garlic with creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!

Ingredients

  • Medium to large shell pasta
  • Roasted garlic
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Beef broth
  • Butter
  • Olive oil
  • Small onion or shallots
  • Fresh garlic, minced
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • Freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

  1. Roast the Garlic (If Not Already Done): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the very top of a head of garlic to expose the cloves. Place it on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Wrap it up tightly and roast for 40-60 minutes, or until the cloves are golden brown, very soft, and easily squeezed out. Let it cool slightly, then squeeze the softened cloves into a small bowl. Mash them with a fork until smooth.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add your shell pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 to 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Start the Sauce Base: While the pasta is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced onion (or shallots) and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the fresh minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Build the Creamy Foundation: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked aromatics. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a light roux.
  5. Whisk in Liquids: Gradually whisk in the beef broth until smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then slowly pour in the heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the sauce is smooth and combined. Let it come to a gentle simmer again.
  6. Incorporate Roasted Garlic and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in all of your mashed roasted garlic. Then, gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, stirring continuously until each addition is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Taste and season with salt, black pepper, and your optional pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked, drained shell pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to ensure every shell is thoroughly coated in the creamy, garlicky goodness. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Ladle generous portions of your Creamy Roasted Garlic Parmesan Shells into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives, and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

Keywords: Don't overcook your pasta for the best texture. Use freshly grated cheese for a smooth sauce. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.

Find it online: https://mamablueberry.com/creamy-roasted-garlic-parmesan-shells-dinner-delight/