Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary Italian-inspired feast! These luxurious pasta shells bathed in a velvety white wine cream sauce are not just a meal, but a sensory experience that promises to elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz large pasta shells
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the large pasta shells to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour the white wine into the skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by about one-third, which should take approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce.
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Drain the cooked pasta shells thoroughly, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust sauce consistency.
- Add the drained pasta shells directly into the skillet with the creamy wine sauce. Gently toss to coat each shell evenly.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Transfer the shells to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the sauce is creamy.
Tips
- Choose the Right Wine: Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for the best flavor profile.
- Al Dente is Key: Cook pasta shells just until tender to ensure they maintain the perfect texture when mixed with the sauce.
- Low and Slow Sauce Making: Keep the heat moderate when creating the sauce to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a bit of pasta water to help adjust sauce thickness if needed.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use freshly grated Parmesan and fresh basil for maximum flavor impact.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right after preparation when the sauce is at its creamiest.
- Optional Additions: Consider adding sautéed shrimp, chicken, or mushrooms for extra protein and complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 587kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 17g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 90mg
