Shell Pasta

• Used in creamy pasta salads: Shell pasta's shape is ideal for holding creamy dressings and incorporating ingredients like vegetables, cheeses, and meats, creating a flavorful and texturally diverse cold pasta salad.
• Featured in baked pasta dishes: Large shell pasta, also known as conchiglioni, is often stuffed with a ricotta cheese mixture, meat, or vegetables, then baked in a tomato or béchamel sauce, resulting in a hearty and satisfying baked pasta casserole.
• Added to hearty soups and stews: Smaller shell pasta varieties, like conchigliette, are commonly added to soups and stews to provide texture and substance, complementing the broth and other ingredients beautifully.
• Served with chunky or hearty sauces: The ridged surface of shell pasta helps it cling to chunky tomato sauces, meat ragus, or vegetable-based sauces, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
• Ideal for macaroni and cheese variations: Shell pasta's shape works perfectly in macaroni and cheese, allowing the cheese sauce to coat each shell, making for a comforting and delicious dish.
• Employed in Pasta bakes with layered vegetables: Small and Medium sized shell pasta can easily be combined with layered vegetables and sauce in baking trays to make wholesome, balanced and satisfying pasta bake dishes.

• Provides carbohydrates for energy to fuel daily activities.
• Can be a source of dietary fiber, especially when made from whole wheat, aiding in digestion and promoting gut health.
• May contain essential B vitamins, supporting nerve function and energy metabolism.
• Offers some protein, contributing to muscle maintenance and repair.
• Lower-sodium option compared to some processed grains, which can support healthy blood pressure.

Store shell pasta in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight and moisture. This helps prevent the pasta from absorbing odors, becoming stale, or attracting pests. Properly stored, dried shell pasta can last for up to two years. Cooked pasta should be refrigerated promptly in an airtight container and consumed within 3-5 days.