Back-to-school lunches don’t always need a long list of ingredients or complicated preparation. Sometimes, the simplest meals are the ones children love the most. This creamy butter shell pasta is one of Mila’s favourite comfort foods, and it comes together with just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

The little shell-shaped pasta is perfect for kids because it holds onto the creamy sauce, making every bite delicious. I love recipes like this for busy school mornings because they’re quick, comforting and easy to pack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup shell pasta

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup pasta water, reserved

• Salt, to taste

Ingredients include (clockwise, from top left): Shell pasta, butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic.(Photo: Alan Smith)

Method

1. Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil and cook the shell pasta according to the package directions until tender.

2. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water.

3. In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.

4. Add the minced garlic and cook with the butter for about one minute, being careful not to let the garlic burn.

5. Return the cooked shell pasta to the saucepan and toss to coat in the butter.

6. Add the reserved pasta water and cook for another one to two minutes, tossing until the butter and pasta water come together.

7. Turn off the heat and add the Parmesan cheese. Toss until the cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.

8. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Shanice Gore adds one cup of shell pasta to boiling salted water, cooking it until tender according to package instructions.(Photo: Alan Smith)

Before draining the pasta, Shanice Gore reserves 1/4 cup of the cooking water.(Photo: Alan Smith)

Place the butter in a saucepan set over medium-low heat until melted.(Photo: Alan Smith)

Add the minced garlic and sauté in the melted butter for one minute, taking care not to let it burn.(Photo: Alan Smith)

Packing the Lunchbox

I like to pack Mila’s pasta in an insulated food container to help keep it warm throughout the school day. I pair it with one of Mila’s favourite snacks, such as banana chips, sliced apples, and a small box of apple juice. It’s a simple, comforting lunch that feels familiar and is easy to enjoy at school.

Add the Parmesan cheese and toss until it melts, forming a smooth, creamy sauce. (Photo: Alan Smith)

Kitchen Tip

You can use whatever cheese your child enjoys, but Parmesan is my favourite for this recipe. Don’t skip the pasta water — that little bit of starchy water helps bring the butter and cheese together to create a smooth, creamy sauce.