Creamy Garlic Shells are a quick and easy side dish recipe made with fridge and pantry staples. Tastes just like the store-bought package!
Prep time: PT5M
Cook time: PT10M
Total time: PT15M
Rating
4.71 stars (48 reviews)
Keywords
gluten free, vegetarian
Ingredients
8 oz mini shell pasta
2 Tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves (pressed or minced)
2 Tablespoons gluten free flour (or AP flour if not GF)
3/4 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup milk (any kind)
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
slightly heaping 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Categories
Side Dish
Cuisine
Italian
Steps
Bring a medium-sized pot of water to a boil then add a small palmful of salt. Add the pasta then cook until al dente. Drain then set aside.
Meanwhile, place a small to medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add the butter then, once melted, add the garlic. Saute while stirring until the garlic is very fragrant and the smallest bits are just barely golden brown — do not overcook / burn the garlic. Sprinkle in the flour then cook while whisking for 30 seconds.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk while whisking to create a smooth sauce then add the dried parsley flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and then whisk to combine. Turn the heat up slightly then switch to a spatula and cook while stirring constantly until the mixture has thickened, 4-5 minutes, turning the heat down if necessary to maintain a very gentle bubble. Add the parmesan cheese then stir until smooth.
Turn off the heat then add the pasta to the pot with the sauce and stir to combine. Taste then add salt and pepper if necessary. Let the pasta sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly then serve.
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 304 kcal
Carbohydrates: 49 g
Protein: 7 g
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Cholesterol: 21 mg
Sodium: 390 mg
Sugar: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Reviews
Darren on 2026-02-01 (5 stars): we made this tonight as we found the packaged stuff tasted weird now, it was fantastic. both our kids ate it with steak tonight and asked for more. this recipe will be going in our recipe book for future side dish week night recipes.
Beverly on 2025-12-09 (5 stars): I made this last night to go with meatloaf sliders. I used gluten free pasta and it was so delicious! Quick and easy to make. Thank you, this is a keeper!!
Sue on 2025-08-06 (2 stars): I tried this based on the reviews but unfortunately we all found it to be very bland, little to no flavor. However, I think the base is a good starting point and with some more seasoning and cheese, it would probably be better so I may try it again with some modifications. :)
Ali on 2025-07-30 (5 stars): omigod this is the best recipe ever i doubled it and added more cheese and it tasted like boston pizzas bugs and cheese
Camryn on 2025-06-18 (5 stars): Loved them, tasted just like the noodles straight out of the package😋. Definitely will try again but with less chicken broth. I am a picky eater at the end of the day😂
Heidi Bush on 2025-05-24 (5 stars): Great recipe. Taste just like the packaged noodles but without all the additives. Served as a side with chicken parmigiana
Bree C. on 2025-03-21 (5 stars): I subbed dried dill as I had no parsley, but this tasted just like what I remember the stuff from the pouch tasting like... but no fake ingredients... thanks!!!
Heidi on 2025-03-08 (5 stars): Delicious! Perfect side for our dinner
Margo on 2025-02-23 (5 stars): I'm going to try this using raw pasta, dumping chicken broth over the shells, adding minced garlic in oil, salt/pepper, a can of condensed chick. soup, stir, bake 450 for about 15 min, remove from oven, stir this mix and then stir in finely grated parmesan cheese and return to oven for a few more minutes to melt the cheese.
