Dinner

Gluten Free Italian Shells and Cheese Recipe

Name: Gluten Free Italian Shells and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 box Banza pasta shells (approximately 8 oz); 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 small can tomato sauce (8 oz); 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar or colby jack cheese, divided; 2 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground black pepper

ByJeannette Jaeger January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

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Introduction

This Gluten Free Italian Shells and Cheese recipe is a comforting twist on a classic dish, featuring hearty pasta shells combined with seasoned ground beef and a creamy cheese sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds two distinct food portions; on the left side is a fresh salad made of light green lettuce layers mixed with shredded carrots, thin purple cabbage strips, chickpeas, and a grainy, light beige dressing drizzled on top; on the right side is a serving of pasta shells coated in a rich reddish-brown meat sauce with visible ground meat bits mixed evenly throughout the noodles. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box Banza pasta shells
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small can tomato sauce (8 oz)
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup shredded cheddar or colby jack cheese
2 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Pour in the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Add the cooked pasta shells and half of the shredded cheese to the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
Step 6: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and stir again until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
Step 7: Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, top with the remaining cheese, and place under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, mix in a bit of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped fresh basil or parsley after broiling to brighten the dish.
Use lactose-free cheese and cream for a dairy-free version if needed.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Avoid reheating under the broiler to prevent overcooking.

How to Serve

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface holding a serving of large pasta shells filled and coated with a rich red tomato meat sauce mixed with small browned ground meat pieces. The shells are ridged, golden-yellow, and some have sauce visible inside. On the right side of the plate, fresh, bright green spinach leaves add a fresh contrast. The photo is close up, showing details and texture of the pasta and sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten free?

Yes, you can substitute with regular pasta shells if gluten is not a concern. Just follow the cooking times on the package.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

This dish can be frozen after cooking. Place it in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Cheese texture may change slightly after freezing.