Conchiglione with cheese cream

Conchiglione with Cream Cheese – A Treat for the Taste Buds

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Introduction

Today we will prepare a dish that combines elegance with simplicity: conchiglione filled with Delaco Ceva Fin cream cheese. These delicious pasta shells, with their unique shell shape, are perfect for a hearty lunch or a special dinner. The creamy filling, combined with sophisticated flavors, will turn any meal into a feast. Whether served with a refined sauce or on their own, these conchiglione are sure to impress!

A Bit of History

Conchiglione pasta, originating from Italy, are known for their distinctive shape that allows them to hold delicious fillings. They are often filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables, and cooking them is an art that requires both patience and creativity. In this recipe, we have fun with a combination of cheese and fine flavors, perfect for adding a touch of refinement to the plate.

Necessary Ingredients

- 14 pieces of conchiglione no. 102 (or about 250 g)
- 1 box of Delaco Ceva Fin cream cheese (about 200 g)
- Salt (1 teaspoon per liter of water)
- White pepper, to taste
- 20 chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of truffle oil
- 1/3 red chili pepper, finely chopped
- A piece of truffle, grated (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 3-4 tablespoons of hot milk
- 1 tablespoon of champagne or sparkling wine
- Champagne or sparkling wine, for serving
- A few chives, cut into quarters, for garnish

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Boiling the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, adding a teaspoon of salt. When the water is boiling, add the conchiglione. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 15 minutes, until al dente. It is important not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook slightly in the oven.

2. Preparing the Filling
In a bowl, mix half of the Ceva Fin cream cheese with salt, white pepper, truffle oil, and chives. This combination will form the perfect filling for your pasta. Make sure everything is well blended.

3. Filling the Conchiglione
Use a spoon or a pastry bag to fill the conchiglione with the cream cheese. Make sure each shell is well filled, but don’t overdo it to avoid the filling spilling out during baking.

4. Preparing the Sauce
In another bowl, combine the remaining cream cheese with the hot milk and champagne, mixing until you achieve a thicker consistency, similar to a sauce. This will enhance the flavor of the pasta and create a pleasant contrast with the filling.

5. Assembling the Dish
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a baking dish, arrange the filled conchiglione. Pour the cheese sauce over them, making sure each conchiglione is covered.

6. Baking
Bake the pasta in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce is hot and starts to form a light golden crust.

7. Serving
Once the pasta is ready, remove it from the oven and sprinkle chopped chili and grated truffle on top for extra flavor. Garnish with quartered chives for an elegant look.

Serving Suggestions

These conchiglione with cream cheese are excellent served with a glass of chilled champagne or sparkling wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors. You can add a simple green salad or grilled vegetables on the side to complete the meal.

Customized Variation

If you want to experiment, you can add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the filling for added nutrients and flavors. Also, replacing the champagne with a dry white wine can provide a different and interesting note.

Nutritional Benefits

This cheese-rich recipe is an excellent source of calcium and protein. Chives add vitamins A and K, while truffle oil provides beneficial antioxidants. Although it is a more decadent dish, enjoying it in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can also use other types of stuffed pasta, but conchiglione are ideal for holding the filling.

2. How can I store the pasta?
The stuffed pasta can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.

3. Can I make this pasta vegan?
You can try using vegan cheese and plant-based milk to adapt the recipe to a vegan option.

4. What other sauces can I use?
A light tomato sauce or a cream sauce with herbs would go wonderfully with this pasta.

5. What is the calorie count for a serving?
A serving of conchiglione with cream cheese can have around 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the necessary steps, you are ready to start cooking these conchiglione with cream cheese! Bring your friends or family to the table and enjoy every bite of this delicious recipe. Bon appétit!