Summertime BLT Pasta Shells
Indulge in the perfect blend of flavors with these Summertime BLT Pasta Shells! This fresh and delicious dish combines the classic tastes of a BLT sandwich—bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes—stuffed into tender jumbo pasta shells, creating a fun twist ideal for gatherings or a casual meal. Complete with a creamy ranch dressing, this recipe is as easy to make as it is to enjoy, making it a summertime favorite! Serve it as a delightful appetizer or a satisfying main course that’s sure to impress your guests.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Jumbo pasta shells
1/2 lb (Cooked as per package instructions)
Mayonnaise
3/4 cup (None)
Buttermilk
3/4 cup (None)
Ranch dressing mix
1 ounce (None)
Chopped parsley
3 tablespoons, divided (Fresh, chopped)
Multi-color cherry tomatoes
1 lb (Quartered)
Shredded lettuce
4 cups (None)
Bacon
15 slices (Cooked and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces)
Scallions
4 (Thinly sliced)
Kosher salt
To taste (None)
Ground black pepper
To taste (None)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions, typically around 12-13 minutes, or until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
2
In the meantime, prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch dressing mix, and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley in a medium bowl until well blended. Set aside.
3
In a generous mixing bowl, combine the quartered multi-colored cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, three-quarters of the chopped bacon, and sliced scallions. Add a pinch of kosher salt and crushed black pepper to taste. Drizzle in 1/4 cup of the prepared dressing and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
4
Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the tomato and lettuce mixture using a small spoon, loading them generously.
5
To serve, drizzle the remaining dressing over the filled shells. Top each shell with 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley and the leftover bacon pieces for an added crunch and burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Summertime BLT Pasta Shells?
It is a fresh and delicious dish that combines classic BLT sandwich flavors—bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes—stuffed into jumbo pasta shells with a creamy ranch dressing.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 11 ingredients, including the seasonings.
What type of pasta is best for this BLT dish?
Jumbo pasta shells are used so they can be easily stuffed with the BLT filling.
How long should I cook the jumbo pasta shells?
Cook the shells according to package instructions, typically around 12-13 minutes, or until they are al dente.
How do I stop the pasta shells from cooking once they are drained?
Rinse the pasta under cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process.
What ingredients make up the creamy dressing?
The dressing is a blend of mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch dressing mix, and fresh chopped parsley.
Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of making it?
While the recipe provides instructions for a homemade version, you could substitute it with a high-quality bottled ranch dressing in a pinch.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for one pound of multi-color cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and presentation.
How should the cherry tomatoes be prepared?
The cherry tomatoes should be quartered before being mixed with the other filling ingredients.
How many slices of bacon are required?
You will need 15 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped into half-inch pieces.
Is the bacon used all at once in the filling?
No, three-quarters of the bacon is mixed into the filling, and the remaining quarter is saved to top the shells for extra crunch.
What type of lettuce is recommended for stuffing?
Shredded lettuce is used to provide a classic BLT texture inside the pasta shells.
How do I incorporate the scallions?
Thinly slice four scallions and toss them into the mixing bowl with the tomatoes, lettuce, and bacon.
How much dressing should I add to the filling mixture?
Add 1/4 cup of the prepared dressing to the tomato and lettuce mixture before stuffing the shells.
How do I fill the pasta shells without breaking them?
Use a small spoon to carefully and generously load the tomato and lettuce mixture into each cooked shell.
What is the best way to serve these pasta shells?
Drizzle the remaining dressing over the filled shells and top them with extra parsley and the reserved bacon pieces.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a satisfying main course or as a delightful appetizer for guests.
Is this a good recipe for a party?
Absolutely, it is categorized as party food and is perfect for summertime gatherings and potlucks.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it is tagged as a make-ahead recipe, though it is best to assemble close to serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
Is this dish served warm or cold?
This dish is served cold, as the shells are rinsed in cold water and filled with fresh salad ingredients.
What kind of salt and pepper is used?
The recipe suggests using kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste.
How much parsley is needed in total?
You will need 3 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley, divided between the dressing and the garnish.
Can I substitute the buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk, you can use a mixture of milk and a little lemon juice or white vinegar as a substitute.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to the combination of pasta, creamy ranch, and savory bacon.
How much pasta is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 pound of jumbo pasta shells.
Does this recipe include any cheese?
The base recipe does not include cheese, but the creamy ranch dressing provides a rich, dairy flavor.
What size should the bacon pieces be?
The bacon should be chopped into approximately 1/2-inch pieces.
How much lettuce is needed for the filling?
You will need 4 cups of shredded lettuce.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, blt, bacon, salad, summer recipes, easy meals, comfort food, party food, and make-ahead.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
It features the salty, smoky flavor of bacon, the freshness of tomatoes and lettuce, and a tangy, creamy herb finish from the ranch dressing.