Gluten Free Italian Shells and Cheese Recipe
A comforting Gluten Free Italian Shells and Cheese recipe featuring protein-rich Banza pasta shells, lean ground beef, Italian seasonings, and a creamy cheesy sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese for a delicious, family-friendly meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 box Banza pasta shells (approximately 8 oz)
Meat & Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small can tomato sauce (8 oz)
Dairy & Seasonings
- 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
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Banza pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Seasonings and Sauce: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly coat the beef with seasonings. Pour in the tomato sauce and reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the beef sauce. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar or colby jack cheese until it melts and coats the pasta well.
- Add Cream and Stir: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and stir well to incorporate a creamy texture throughout the mixture.
- Broil with Cheese Topping: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to an oven-safe dish if needed and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Place under the broiler for 2–4 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- Banza pasta is made from chickpeas and is naturally gluten free, high in protein, and fiber.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
- Broiling time may vary depending on your oven; keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Make sure to use a broiler-safe dish or skillet when finishing the dish under the broiler.
Keywords: Gluten Free, Italian, Pasta, Shells and Cheese, Healthy, Banza Pasta, Ground Beef, Creamy Cheese
