Please tell me I’m not the only one. My dad grew up eating this, my brothers and I grew up eating this, now my kids eat it. Pasta shells in tomato juice. I never realized as a kid that this would be considered a “struggle meal”. We loved it. My kids love it. It’s just me and my 16 yo daughter home tonight. I asked if she wanted grilled cheese and tomato soup and she asked “Can we have shells and tomato juice instead?”. I don’t typically make it for dinner because I like to cook and this is as simple as making ramen. Usually it’s something quick to throw on the stove for lunch. But it was perfect for just the two of us tonight. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse. Add a couple tablespoons of butter, stir until melted. Pour enough tomato juice to cover pasta like soup. I like mine warm. My dad and some of my brothers eat it cold
Pasta Shells in Tomato Juice
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups tomato juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Add Butter: Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add the butter to the hot pasta and stir until melted, coating the shells evenly.
- Pour in Tomato Juice: Pour enough tomato juice over the pasta to cover it completely, like a soup. The amount of tomato juice may vary depending on your preference for thickness.
- Warm Up: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
- Season to Taste: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the tomato juice may already contain some salt, so be cautious when adding additional salt.
- Serve: Ladle the warm pasta shells and tomato juice into bowls. Optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Enjoy this comforting and nostalgic meal with your daughter, whether warm like your preference or cold like your dad and brothers enjoy it!
