19 Pasta Shell Recipe Italian Cook Up Something Special!

The Basics of Making Pasta Shells

To make your own pasta shells, you'll need just a few simple ingredients: flour, eggs, salt, and water. You can use all-purpose flour or semolina flour, depending on your preference. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and crack in the eggs. Using a fork, gradually mix the eggs into the flour until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little water. If it's too wet, add a little more flour. Once the dough comes together, knead it on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Then, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to work with.

Rolling and Shaping the Dough

After the dough has rested, it's time to roll it out. Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each one out into a thin sheet, about 1/8 inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the dough. The size of the circles will determine the size of your pasta shells, so choose according to your preference. To shape the pasta shells, take a circle of dough and place a small amount of filling in the center. Then, fold the dough in half to create a half-moon shape. Using your fingers, press the edges together to seal the filling inside. You can leave the edges plain or use a fork to create a decorative pattern. Repeat this process with the remaining circles of dough.

Creative Filling Ideas

Now that you have your homemade pasta shells, it's time to get creative with the fillings. Traditional Italian fillings include ricotta cheese, spinach, and tomato sauce. However, you can let your imagination run wild and experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Some delicious filling ideas include:

• Meat and Cheese: Use a mixture of ground meat, such as beef or sausage, and your favorite cheese, such as mozzarella or parmesan.
• Veggie Delight: Combine sautéed vegetables, like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions, with a creamy cheese, like goat or feta.
• Seafood Sensation: Mix together cooked shrimp or crab with a creamy sauce, like a lemon garlic sauce or an Alfredo sauce.

Once your pasta shells are filled, you can cook them in boiling water for about 10-12 minutes until they are tender. Serve them with your favorite sauce or simply toss them with some olive oil and grated cheese. Now that you know the basics of making pasta shells and have some delicious filling ideas, it's time to get cooking and impress your taste buds with this authentic Italian dish. Buon appetito!