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Close-up of creamy lemon pasta shells topped with parsley and grated cheese, a perfect example of how to make pasta recipes like a pro.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Shellbow Pasta

Learn to make a restaurant-quality creamy lemon garlic pasta dish at home. This recipe focuses on simple techniques to achieve a rich, flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked pasta.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Seasonings
  • ¾ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¾ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¾ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
Sauce and Pasta
  • 4 tablespoons butter divided
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 2 ¾ cups chicken broth
  • ¾ cup half and half
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ lb. Shellbow pasta see notes

Equipment

  • Soup pot
  • Silicone spatula

Method
 

  1. Combine the seasonings and set them aside. Measure all remaining ingredients before you begin cooking. This recipe moves quickly, so have everything ready.
  2. Add 3 tablespoons of butter to a soup pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and the combined seasonings. Stir constantly until the butter begins to foam.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and add the bouillon cube.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the pasta. Return to a gentle boil and cook uncovered according to the pasta package directions. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot as the pasta cooks, preventing it from sticking. Check the pasta for doneness.
  5. Lower the heat to low. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
  6. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Cover the pot and let the butter melt. Gently stir the melted butter into the pasta before serving.

Notes

For best results, use fresh, grated Parmesan cheese. Shellbow pasta is recommended for its ability to hold the creamy sauce, but you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle.

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