Barilla Medium Shells – Italian Heritage Pasta with Ridged Sauce-Trapping Shell Shape, Bulk 12-Pack
Barilla Medium Shells – Italian Heritage Pasta with Ridged Sauce-Trapping Shell Shape, Bulk 12-Pack
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Why you'll love it
- Trusted Italian heritage brand with over 145 years of pasta-making experience (since 1877)
- Non-GMO Project Verified ingredients offer cleaner-eating reassurance
- Kosher certification makes it accessible for observant households and shared meals
- Fast 8-9 minute cook time suits busy weeknight schedules
- Concave, ridged shell shape traps and holds sauce for better flavor in every bite
- Consistent al dente texture backed by durum wheat semolina quality
Perfect for
- Quick weeknight macaroni and cheese
- Cold pasta salads for picnics, potlucks, and meal prep
- Stuffed or baked shell pasta dishes with meat or cheese fillings
- Pairing with dairy-based, tomato-based, or hearty meat sauces
- Bulk pantry stocking via the 12-pack case for large families or food service
Product Information
MEDIUM SHELLS PASTA: The graceful, concave shape of medium shells pasta, or Mezzo Conchiglie, resembles a seashell and is covered in ridges
BARILLA PASTA: Made with durum wheat to deliver great taste and perfect "al dente" texture every time
CREATE DELICIOUS PASTA MEALS: Great in pasta salads or macaroni & cheese, pair medium shells pasta with a dairy-based pasta sauce, tomato-based pasta sauce or meat sauces
COOKS TO PERFECTION EVERY TIME: Perfect pasta in 8-9 minutes
NON-GMO & KOSHER CERTIFIED PASTA: Barilla Medium Shells pasta is crafted with high quality Non-GMO ingredients and is kosher certified
UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY, TRUSTED FOR GENERATIONS: A family-owned Italian company making pasta since 1877, Barilla brings you the best pasta made with care and high quality ingredients for perfect al dente pasta every time
Barilla Medium Shells pasta has a shape that resembles a seashell. The graceful, concave shape is covered in ridges. Barilla Medium Shells pasta is made with non-GMO ingredients. Barilla is a family-owned Italian company making pasta since 1877. Barilla brings you the best pasta made with care and high quality ingredients; Barilla works to bring you the best pasta that cooks perfectly al dente every time. Our medium shells pasta is made from the finest durum wheat and is non-GMO project verified and Kosher Certified. Perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta sauce. Get inspired with Barilla! Enjoy the full range of Barilla pasta and pasta sauces, including Ready Pasta, Protein+ Pasta, Whole Grain Pasta, Gluten Free Pasta, Chickpea Pasta and Red Lentil Pasta.
Ingredients
Semolina (Wheat), Durum Flour, Niacin, Iron (Ferrous Sulfate), Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid.
Items Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barilla Medium Shells a versatile all-purpose pasta for my home kitchen?
Yes. The medium shell shape works beautifully in baked pasta dishes, cold salads, stuffed shells, and saucy weeknight dinners, making it one of the most versatile shapes to keep on hand.
Does this pasta work with dairy, tomato, and meat sauces alike?
Yes. The concave, ridged shell is designed to trap and hold dairy-based cheese sauces, hearty tomato sauces, and chunky meat sauces, so you can rotate recipes without changing pasta.
Is the 16 oz box a good everyday size for a typical household?
Yes. The 16 oz box is the standard size for family dinners and typically serves about 6 side-dish portions or 3 entree portions, which is ideal for most weeknight meals.
Should I choose the single box or the 12-pack case for my home?
If your household goes through pasta weekly, the 12-pack case offers better per-box value and keeps your pantry stocked for months. If you cook pasta occasionally, the single 16 oz box is a smarter starting point.
How long does the pasta stay fresh in my pantry?
Dry pasta has a long shelf life, typically one to two years when stored in a cool, dry place in its sealed box, so it is a reliable staple to keep in the home pantry.
Is this pasta a good choice for hosting dinner parties at home?
Yes. Stuffed shells, baked pasta, and pasta salads made with Medium Shells look impressive on a serving platter and can be partially prepared ahead of time, which is great for entertaining.
Can I use Barilla Medium Shells in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes. The shells cook well in pressure-cooker pasta recipes and absorb sauces nicely in slow-cooker baked pasta dishes. Just adjust the liquid ratios and cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Is this pasta better for baked dishes than smooth pasta shapes?
Yes. The ridges and cavity of Medium Shells grab onto cheese and sauce, and they hold their shape better than smoother shapes during longer baking times, which is ideal for casseroles.
How does Barilla Medium Shells compare to jumbo shells for stuffing?
Jumbo shells are larger and more dramatic for plating, but Medium Shells are easier to eat, cook faster, and work for both stuffed and unstuffed recipes, giving you more flexibility in the kitchen.
Is this pasta worth choosing over a generic store brand?
Barilla's 145-plus years of pasta-making heritage, durum wheat semolina quality, and consistent al dente results typically outperform generic alternatives, which is why many home cooks consider it a dependable upgrade.
I'm worried about pasta sticking together while it cooks — will this shape clump?
Like all dry pasta, it is best to use plenty of boiling water and stir occasionally during the first couple of minutes. The medium shells hold their shape well and do not clump more than other shapes when cooked properly.
Is this a smart pantry staple for a small apartment kitchenette?
Yes. The flat 16 oz box stores easily in narrow pantries, cabinets, or even on top of the fridge, and the quick 8-9 minute cook time is perfect for small-space cooking with limited stovetop room.
Does this pasta work for make-ahead freezer meals?
Yes. Baked shell dishes, stuffed shells, and pasta salads all freeze well when made with Medium Shells, making it a great choice for batch cooking and freezer stocking.
Is Barilla Medium Shells a good choice for picky eaters at home?
Yes. The familiar scoopable shell shape appeals to children and adults alike, and the mild flavor takes on the taste of whatever sauce or seasoning you add.
I'm not sure if shells are right for pasta salad — are they really the best shape?
Yes. The concave interior catches dressing and small ingredients like diced vegetables, olives, and cheese, which is exactly why Medium Shells are a top choice for cold pasta salads and picnic dishes.
Is the packaging recyclable at home?
The cardboard box is widely recyclable in most curbside programs. Check your local guidelines for the inner plastic bag, which some communities accept through store drop-off programs.
How do I cook Barilla Medium Shells pasta on the stovetop?
Bring 4-6 quarts of water to a rolling boil, add salt to taste, then add the pasta. Stir occasionally and cook for 8-9 minutes for al dente, or longer for a softer texture. Drain and toss with your favorite sauce.
How much dry Barilla Medium Shells should I cook per person?
A standard serving is about 2 ounces of dry pasta per person for a side dish, or 3-4 ounces for an entree. One 16 oz box yields roughly 6 side-dish servings or 3 entree servings.
How do I store leftover cooked Barilla Medium Shells?
Store cooled leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. For best texture, toss with a small amount of olive oil before refrigerating. Reheat with a splash of water or sauce.
Is Barilla Medium Shells pasta compatible with gluten-free diets?
No, this pasta is made from durum wheat semolina and contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, look for a pasta specifically labeled gluten-free.
Is Barilla Medium Shells compatible with vegetarian and vegan diets?
Yes, the pasta itself is vegetarian and vegan. The dietary label depends entirely on the sauce, cheese, or fillings you pair it with.
What is included in the 16 oz box and what do I need to buy separately?
The 16 oz box contains dry medium shell pasta. You will need to purchase water, salt, sauce, oil, and any additional ingredients like cheese, vegetables, or proteins separately to complete a meal.
Is Barilla Medium Shells safe for people with food allergies?
The pasta is made in a facility that may also process eggs and other allergens, so always check the package for the most current allergen and manufacturing information if you have a specific allergy.
Does Barilla Medium Shells contain any artificial colors or flavors?
No, the pasta is made with durum wheat semolina and does not contain artificial colors or flavors. It is also Non-GMO Project Verified.
What is the difference between Medium Shells and other pasta shapes like Penne or Elbows?
Medium Shells are concave with ridges, making them ideal for trapping chunky sauces, cheese, and fillings. Penne is tube-shaped and great for baked dishes, while Elbows are small, smooth, and most commonly used in mac and cheese.
