A comforting and simple Italian-inspired dish featuring shell pasta enveloped in a rich homemade tomato basil sauce, finished with freshly grated Parmesan and aromatic basil leaves.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Classic Shell Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce offers the perfect combination of cozy comfort and fresh Italian flavor. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, yet refined in its simplicity. The tender shell pasta cradles the vibrant tomato sauce, while fresh basil and Parmesan bring a touch of sophistication. Whether you’re cooking for two or scaling up for guests, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- shell pasta (conchiglie)
- olive oil
- onion
- garlic
- canned crushed tomatoes
- tomato paste
- sugar (optional)
- salt and pepper
- red chili flakes (optional)
- fresh basil leaves
- grated Parmesan cheese
directions
- Cook shell pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Add sugar if needed, along with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes if using. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Add chopped fresh basil and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until all the shells are well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional basil leaves if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories per Serving: 375 kcal
Variations
- Make it Vegan: Omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or plant-based sausage.
- Creamy Version: Add a splash of cream or a spoonful of ricotta for a richer sauce.
- Spicy Twist: Increase the chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
- More Vegetables: Include sautéed zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
What type of pasta works best with tomato basil sauce?
Shell pasta (conchiglie) works wonderfully as it holds the sauce in its curves, but penne or fusilli are good alternatives.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the tomato basil sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Is fresh basil necessary?
Fresh basil provides the best flavor, but you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil in a pinch.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
Yes, although the texture of the pasta may soften slightly. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too acidic?
Adding a teaspoon of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, peel and chop about 500g of ripe tomatoes and cook down until they form a sauce.
What cheese can I use besides Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are excellent substitutes for Parmesan.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free pasta. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.
How spicy is the dish with chili flakes?
It adds a mild kick. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely based on your preference.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with this dish.
Conclusion
Classic Shell Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce is the epitome of comfort and simplicity. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this dish is ideal for quick dinners, cozy nights, or any time you’re craving a taste of Italy. The rich tomato sauce, fragrant basil, and savory Parmesan come together to create a timeless, satisfying meal.
Classic Shell Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and simple Italian-inspired dish made with shell pasta, coated in a rich, homemade tomato basil sauce, and topped with freshly grated Parmesan and aromatic basil leaves.
Ingredients
- 250g shell pasta (conchiglie)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook shell pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Add sugar, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in chopped basil and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Toss cooked pasta in the tomato sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan and extra basil leaves.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce, blend the tomatoes before cooking or use passata.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.
- Omit Parmesan or use plant-based cheese for a vegan version.
- Chili flakes add a subtle heat—adjust to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
