Cheese and lemon zest shells

Shells with cheese and lemon zest

This cheese and lemon zest shells recipe is my son's favorite, and he could eat them non-stop. It's a simple, quick, and delicious recipe, perfect for moments when you want to enjoy a warm and comforting dish. The aromatic cheese and the freshness of the lemon zest give it a unique flavor, turning it into a meal you will surely love.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 400 g shells (pasta)
- 20-30 g butter
- 2 l water (for boiling the pasta)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar (or to taste)
- 2 sachets of vanilla sugar
- 100-150 g telemea cheese (preferably sheep's cheese for a stronger flavor)
- Zest of one lemon (preferably organic to avoid pesticides)
- 1 teaspoon of salt

Recipe history

Shells are a type of pasta that resembles the shape of a snail shell. They are used in various dishes around the world, and the combination with cheese is one of the most popular. The origins of this recipe are deeply rooted in culinary traditions that emphasize simplicity and quality ingredients. Unusual pairings, such as those with lemon zest, add a touch of freshness that perfectly contrasts with the creaminess of the cheese.

Preparing shells with cheese and lemon zest

Step 1: Preparing the water

Start by putting 2 liters of water in a large pot on the stove. Add a teaspoon of salt, which will help enhance the flavor of the pasta. Wait for the water to reach a boiling point.

Step 2: Boiling the pasta

When the water starts to boil, add the shells. Each type of pasta has a specific boiling time indicated on the packaging. Usually, shells boil for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir gently from time to time to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Draining the pasta

After the shells have boiled, take the pot off the heat and drain them in a colander. Let them drain well for a few moments, but do not rinse them with cold water, as you will want to retain the heat for the next step.

Step 4: Preparing the sauce

In the same pot (preferably hot), add 20-30 g of butter. Let it melt completely. This will add a layer of creaminess to the pasta. After the butter has melted, add the drained shells and gently mix to coat them evenly with butter.

Step 5: Adding the aromatic ingredients

To the shells, add the 4 tablespoons of sugar and the 2 sachets of vanilla sugar. Mix well and let them cook on low heat for a minute to combine the flavors. Then, add the lemon zest, which will bring an extra freshness and vibrant taste.

Step 6: Adding the cheese

Grate the telemea cheese on a large-holed grater or crumble it with a fork. Add the cheese over the aromatic shells and mix well to achieve an even combination. The cheese will melt slightly, creating a delicious sauce that will envelop each shell.

Step 7: Serving

The shells with cheese and lemon zest are now ready to be served. You can present them in deep plates and garnish with a little lemon zest for a beautiful appearance. This dish is delicious both warm and at room temperature, so feel free to enjoy it however you like.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the cheese used is fresh, as it will influence the final taste of the dish.
- If you want to try a less sweet version, you can reduce the sugar amount to 2-3 tablespoons, depending on your preferences.
- You can also add some fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, to intensify the flavors.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or mozzarella, but the taste will be different. Telemea cheese provides a distinct flavor that pairs perfectly with lemon.
2. Can I prepare the shells in advance?
The shells are best fresh, but you can prepare them a few hours ahead and keep them at room temperature. Reheat them gently before serving.

Combining with other recipes or drinks:
These shells with cheese and lemon zest pair wonderfully with a fresh vegetable salad or a arugula salad with cherry tomatoes. For dessert, we recommend a lemon sorbet or chocolate mousse to finish the meal with a sweet-tart taste.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the cheese, being a good source of calcium. The lemon zest adds vitamins and antioxidants, while the pasta contributes carbohydrates, providing you with the energy needed for an active day.

Now that you know how to prepare shells with cheese and lemon zest, all that's left is to get started! The delicious taste and creamy texture will make this recipe a family favorite. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 bag of shells (400 gr.); 20-30 gr. butter; 2 l. water (for boiling pasta); 4 tablespoons of sugar (or to taste); 2 sachets of vanilla sugar; 100-150 gr. telemea cheese (I had sheep cheese); zest of one lemon; 1 teaspoon of salt.

 Tags:  cheese pasta paste