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Gluten Free Italian Shells and Cheese Recipe

Gluten Free Italian Shells and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 9 reviews

This Gluten Free Italian Shells and Cheese recipe is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender gluten-free pasta shells with savory seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, creamy heavy cream, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for those who seek a delicious, gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta and cheese casseroles, it’s quick to prepare and full of Italian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Gluten-Free Pasta

  • 1 box Banza pasta shells (about 8 ounces)

Meat and Sauce

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small can tomato sauce (8 oz)
  • 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Dairy

  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese (divided into 1/2 cup and 1/2 cup)

Instructions

  1. Boil pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gluten-free Banza pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add seasoning and sauce: To the cooked beef, add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Pour in the tomato sauce, stir and let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to develop flavor.
  4. Combine pasta and cheese: Add the drained pasta shells into the skillet with the beef and tomato mixture. Stir in half of the shredded cheese (about 1/2 cup) until it’s evenly mixed throughout.
  5. Add heavy cream: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and gently stir again to incorporate it fully, creating a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and beef mixture.
  6. Broil with cheese topping: Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish if not using an ovenproof skillet. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top. Place under the broiler on high for 2-4 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

  • You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • Use gluten-free pasta brands other than Banza if preferred.
  • To make it vegetarian, omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt and pepper.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: gluten free pasta shells, Italian shells and cheese, gluten free comfort food, ground beef pasta recipe, cheesy pasta bake, Banza pasta recipes

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/gluten-free-italian-shells-and-cheese-recipe/