This versatile side dish works well with a wide variety of simple main dishes. It builds on the concept of a classic Aglio e Olio (garlic and oil) pasta by including a bit of sautéed onion, chopped fresh parsley, and a splash of balsamic vinegar to brighten the flavors.
You can use just about any variety of pasta you like. We’re partial to conchigliette (medium shells), but other cuts with ridges that hold the light garlicky sauce (e.g. penne, rigatoni) will work just as well.
Garlic Butter Pasta Shells
Table of Contents
Garlic butter pasta is a great complement for simple entrées like roast chicken, pan-seared pork chops, grilled steak, and broiled fish.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces small pasta shells conchigliette
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 to 4 tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup parsley finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and butter and continue cooking, stirring constantly until barely golden, 1 to 2 minutes longer.
- Stir in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar.
- Continue cooking for 1 minute, then remove from the heat and set aside.
- Cook and drain the pasta according to the package directions.
- Combine with the garlic mixture, add the fresh parsley and toss to coat.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Garlic Butter Pasta Shells
Amount per Serving
Calories
223
% Daily Value*
Fat
13
g
20
%
Saturated Fat
5
g
31
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
8
g
Cholesterol
15
mg
5
%
Sodium
129
mg
6
%
Carbohydrates
22
g
7
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
2
g
2
%
Protein
4
g
8
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Sara L. says
the balsamic vinegar is such a good addition! delicious
Lynne Webb says
I’m happy to hear you enjoyed it, Sara. Thanks for taking the time to let us know.
Pamela Thompson says
Delicious
Lynne Webb says
Glad you enjoyed Pamela! Thanks for sharing.
gdela says
We loved this side dish. Had with fried pork chops. The balsamic vinegar gives this a great flavor!
bea says
very nice side dish, everybody loved it
Lynne Webb says
Hi Bea,
Glad you enjoyed the pasta! It’s one of our favorites.