Description

This Gigi Hadid Pasta Creamy Tomato Shells (No Vodka) recipe is a comforting and straightforward dish featuring shell pasta coated in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. It’s an ideal weeknight meal that transforms pantry staples into a special, flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound shell pasta (or other short pasta like penne or rigatoni)
28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (794g)
0.5 cup heavy cream (120ml)
4 cloves minced garlic
1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped (6g)
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Small pinch sugar (optional)
Handful spinach or kale (optional)
Grilled chicken or shrimp (optional)

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 pound (450g) shell pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup (240ml) starchy pasta water before draining.
Saute Aromatics: In a large, sturdy skillet, heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant (being careful not to burn it).
Build Sauce: Pour in 28 ounces (794g) crushed tomatoes, adding optional pinch of red pepper flakes and a small pinch of sugar. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
Add Creaminess: Reduce heat to low. Stir in 0.5 cup (120ml) heavy cream and 0.5 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Combine Pasta: Add the drained shell pasta directly to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce appears too thick, splash in reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
Finish and Serve: Stir in 0.25 cup (6g) chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

For dairy-free options, use unsweetened cashew or coconut cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best. A pat of butter can be swirled in for extra richness. This dish is versatile; consider adding spinach, kale, grilled chicken, or shrimp for extra nutrients and protein.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx 250 g)
Calories: 650 calories
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 23 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 93 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 21 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: creamy tomato, Gigi Hadid, weeknight, easy pasta, comfort food, shells, no vodka, stovetop