Pasta comes in many forms, and the best part about this staple is that you can completely transform its taste and flavor with little additions and innovations.
From classic spaghetti to pasta shells, each form can be leveraged in hundreds of recipes savoring your taste buds for any meal time. So, in this article, we are going to tell you how you can cook shell pasta perfectly to make your favorite recipe.
Do you know why shell pasta is so special? Let us tell you!
Shell pasta looks like small boats. The shells have hollow centers that capture any sauce or dips like a pro. So, if you want to enjoy something creamy or saucy, shell pasta is the best option. And if you want our recommendation, you can grab your hands on Goody’s premium pasta range. Goody’s pasta is made up of 100% durum wheat, Plus the shape makes it super easy to handle and eat so it is the quick fix whether you want to enjoy pasta for snacking or the main course.
Pasta needs to be handled carefully if you want to enjoy the right taste. So, here is a step-by-step guide to help you cook the best shell pasta.
It’s always better to keep all ingredients and cooking utensils accessible when you are cooking so you may get the required stuff instantly when needed.
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare pasta:
1 pound of pasta shells (You can choose any size of shells depending on your recipe)
Salt (for seasoning the water)
Water (for boiling)
Olive oil or butter (optional, to add after cooking)
Your choice of sauce (marinara, Alfredo, pesto, etc.)
Grated cheese (parmesan, mozzarella, or any cheese that complements your sauce)
Fresh herbs or veggies or meat (for garnish or added flavor)
You’ll also need a large pot, a strainer, and some basic utensils like a stirring spoon and a pasta fork.
Now that you’ve got everything on the kitchen counter, it’s time to boil the water. It seems simple but it is most important when it comes to cooking pasta. If you don’t boil the pasta perfectly, you can enjoy the right texture and taste.
Take a large pot of water and fill it with enough water like around 4-6 quartz for one pound of pasta. Make sure there’s plenty of space for the pasta to move around. Bring the water to the boiling point under a high flame.
Once the water reaches the boiling point, add salt to the water (about 1-2 tablespoons). If you add salt while boiling the water, it will season the pasta well. Remember, the water should be salty, almost like seawater. This is where your pasta is going to absorb some flavor.
Now it’s time to add pasta shells to the boiling water. Add them to the boiling pot and stir them up quickly so they don’t stick together or to the pot. You should also stir the pasta occasionally while boiling to avoid stickiness.
Carefully pour them into the pot and give them a quick stir to make sure they don’t stick to the bottom or with each other.
Now, It is the time to make the decision: Do you want your pasta to be al dente i.e. firm to the bite or more on the soft side?
It entirely depends upon your choice. For dishes like baked pasta or pasta salads, al dente is usually the best choice since the pasta will continue to cook a bit after you take it off the heat. If you prefer softer pasta for creamy dishes, you can let it cook a minute or two longer.
Once, the pasta has got your desired firmness, drain all the water and toss in the stainer well to release any water left within the shells. Do not forget to set aside a cup of starchy salty water before you pour pasta in the stainer. You can use this water to loosen up pasta in the future.
Now here comes the point where you can toss your pasta with different sauces or veggies and make it the way you want. You have countless choices to enjoy like using a marinara or bechamel sauce and adding a little garlic sauce or olive oil to enhance your pasta’s taste.
So, Transfer your pasta back into the empty pot or a large serving bowl.
Add the sauce of your choice, and if you want to loosen it up a bit, add a cup of seasoned starchy water you set aside while boiling pasta. It will help you to coat all the shells properly in the sauce.
Mix everything together and make sure that all the shells are evenly coated with the ingredients you added. Mixing should be done carefully because tossing the pasta frequently can also break the shells.
If you’re making a baked pasta dish, this is the moment to transfer your sauced-up pasta shells into a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until it becomes golden brown. However, if you are preparing the stovetop meal, you’re almost done!
Now garnish your pasta with some simple toppings. You can use cheese, herbs, veggies like mushrooms or cherry tomatoes, and different proteins like chicken, shrimp, and sausages to make your dish rich and healthy.
Your pasta is now ready to be served hot. Take a snap of your creation and share it with us. We would love to see your culinary creations. Do try this pasta recipe with spiced duck and feta cheese, the shell-shaped pasta will give you a great look and taste. This slow-cooked dish could be prepared a few days in advance and kept covered and cooled. For best results, use Goody whole peeled tomato and Goody professional chicken stock with it.
Cooking a perfect pasta dish depends upon how you follow the instructions. The cooking instructions are simple and easy but they should be followed carefully. A little deviation can ruin the desired texture or taste you crave. So, the next time you want to prepare a perfect Pasta dish, make sure you follow our guide religiously to enjoy the best-cooked pasta ever.
