This Rich Creamy Shells Pasta is a Smooth, Cheesy Comfort in a Bowl

Looking for the perfect weeknight comfort food that’s quick, indulgent, and ultra-satisfying? This Rich Creamy Shells Pasta is your answer. With tender shell pasta coated in a velvety, cheesy cream sauce, this dish brings warmth and luxury to your table in under 30 minutes. Whether served as a main or a side, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite. It's been a while since I cooked a pasta dish so I thought why not go with pasta shells. I love this type of pasta because it has the added advantage of holding the ingredients inside their shells, so you always get that extra sauce stuck in between the hollow spaces. I also love cooking with pasta shells because they kind of remind me of the ocean. Which I haven't been to in a really long time. The last time I ever visited an ocean was when we were in primary school for a class 8 school trip when we were younger. It was a trip to Mombasa for a week. My best days were those spent collecting shells, which I would then tightly squeeze against my ear to hear the ocean breeze. 

Forget the fact that I was standing on the beach itself right where the waves hit the edges! But hearing the breeze from those tiny and sometimes humongous shells was bliss for me. I need to plan a trip to visit the beach again. Okaaaay, back to shells that are delicious and can be eaten.  This time I made the pasta dish with Pesto sauce. Pesto is one of those dips that in you should try making once in your lifetime. Because it is THAT good! And paired with pasta, you forget every other pasta dish you have ever made, trust me on this! The recipe for this Pesto dip I will share next month during something really amazing happening throughout August! Can't wait, almost there...

INGREDIENTS

1 Packet Shell Pasta
1-2 Cups Pesto Sauce
2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
1 Tablespoon Salt

METHOD

Heat water in a deep pan and add salt

Add vegetable oil

Add the shell pasta

Let the pasta cook until al' dente, you do not want the pasta to overcook or it will be too soggy

Once the water has significantly reduced, take pasta from heat. Set in a sieve or collander and pour hot water into the pasta. This helps remove some of the sticky starch

Add the Avocado Pesto into the cooked Shell Pasta and mix well ensuring every piece of shell gets the delicious Pesto sauce

I love cooking with Shell Pasta because they are fun to scoop all that deliciousness hiding inside. Apart from being filling, this dish serves up to 3 people and you will definitely want seconds!

RICH CREAMY SHELLS PASTA

Recipe by Mulunga Alukwe

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 Minutes
Total time: 30 Minutes
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients

• 1 Packet Shell Pasta
• 1-2 Cups Pesto
• 2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Salt

Cooking Directions

1. Heat water in a deep pan and add salt. Add vegetable oil
2. Once the water has bubbled add the shell pasta. Let the pasta cook until al' dente, you do not want the pasta to overcook or it will be too soggy
3. Once the water has significantly reduced, take pasta from heat. Set in a sieve or collander and pour hot water into the pasta. This helps remove some of the sticky starch
4. Add the Avocado Pesto into the cooked Shell Pasta and mix well ensuring every piece of shell gets the delicious Pesto sauce
5. Serve immediately

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What does Avocado Peanuts Pesto taste like?
It has a creamy texture from the avocado and a deep, nutty flavor from roasted peanuts. It's richer and slightly earthier than classic basil pesto, with a natural smoothness that makes it versatile.

Q2: Can I use raw peanuts?
You can, but roasted peanuts offer a more robust flavor. Unsalted roasted peanuts work best to control seasoning. For extra depth, lightly toast the peanuts before blending.

Q3: Does it oxidize like guacamole?
Yes, because of the avocado. Add a bit of lemon or lime juice to slow browning. Store in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface.

Q4: Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze in small airtight containers or ice cube trays. Thaw in the fridge and stir well before using.

Q5: What can I use it for?
Spread it on toast or sandwiches, toss with pasta, serve as a dip for veggies, or drizzle over grilled meats and roasted vegetables.

Q6: Is cheese needed in this pesto?
No, it's delicious without cheese and remains vegan. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or Parmesan if not keeping it dairy-free.

🧾 Nutrition Card (Per 2 Tbsp Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	~160 kcal	High energy from healthy fats
Total Fat	15 g	Avocado and peanuts contribute mostly unsaturated fats
Saturated Fat	2 g	Minimal; varies with oil type used
Carbohydrates	5 g	Naturally low-carb
Sugars	1 g	No added sugars
Protein	4 g	From peanuts and avocado
Fiber	3 g	Good source of dietary fiber
Sodium	100 mg	Adjust with salt or omit for low-sodium diets

Dietary Information

Category	Suitable?	Notes
Vegetarian	✅ Yes	No animal-derived ingredients
Vegan	✅ Yes	Use lemon juice or nutritional yeast instead of cheese
Gluten-Free	✅ Yes	Naturally free of gluten
Dairy-Free	✅ Yes	No milk-based ingredients
Low-Carb/Keto	✅ Yes	Healthy fats, low carbs
Paleo	✅ Yes	Ensure no added processed oils or sugars
Whole30	✅ Yes	Use compliant oil and peanuts (or sub with cashews if avoiding legumes)
Contains Nuts	⚠️ Yes	Contains peanuts; not suitable for nut allergies

📝 Notes:

• Substitute peanuts with other nuts (cashews, almonds) for variation.
• For thinner pesto, add more olive oil or a splash of water.
• Add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro to enhance the flavor.
• Store in a glass jar with a layer of oil on top to prolong freshness.
• Pairs especially well with zucchini noodles or roasted sweet potatoes.

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.