Toss diced raw garlic scapes across dry shell pasta, alongside 3 ingredients, into a cast iron baking pan for a comforting feast that's the one everyone asks for

This oven-baked garlic scape macaroni is a five-ingredient, no-boil comfort dish that feels like something you’d find on a Midwestern church supper table, but with a seasonal twist. Instead of the usual chopped onion, we lean on fresh garlic scapes—the curly green stems from hardneck garlic—for a gentle garlicky bite and a bit of texture. Everything gets tossed together raw and dry: shell pasta, diced scapes, and just three pantry-friendly ingredients, all layered into a cast iron pan and baked until the pasta is tender and the top is browned and bubbling. It’s the kind of practical, hands-off recipe that fits busy weeknights but still tastes like you fussed.

Serve this garlic scape macaroni straight from the cast iron pan with a simple green salad—think leaf lettuce with a sharp vinaigrette—to balance the richness. It pairs nicely with roasted or grilled chicken, pork chops, or a pan-seared sausage for a heartier meal. If you like a bit of contrast, add a side of tangy pickles or a quick cucumber salad. Leftovers reheat well and make an easy lunch alongside sliced tomatoes or a bowl of soup.

Servings: 4

8 ounces dry small shell pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a 10- to 12-inch cast iron skillet or similarly sized cast iron baking pan on the counter so it’s ready to assemble.

Spread the dry shell pasta evenly in the cast iron pan. You want an even, single layer as much as possible so the liquid can reach all the pasta.

Dice the garlic scapes into small pieces, about 1/4 inch. Scatter the diced raw garlic scapes evenly across the dry shell pasta, letting some fall into the gaps so every bite gets a bit of flavor.

Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta and garlic scapes, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for topping later.

In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the whole milk and kosher salt until the salt is mostly dissolved. Slowly pour the seasoned milk over the pasta mixture in the cast iron pan, tilting the pan gently if needed so the liquid distributes evenly. The pasta should be mostly submerged, with some pieces just peeking through the surface.

Give the mixture a gentle stir with a spoon to help the garlic scapes and cheese settle among the shells, then smooth the top back into an even layer.

Cover the cast iron pan tightly with foil to trap steam. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the pasta is mostly tender when you bite a shell from the center.

Carefully remove the foil (watch for hot steam). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Return the pan to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the top is melted, lightly browned, and the edges are bubbling.

Let the macaroni rest for 5–10 minutes out of the oven. This short rest allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve clean scoops.

Taste and add a pinch more salt if needed before serving. Scoop straight from the cast iron pan to plates or shallow bowls and enjoy warm.

For a creamier version, swap 1/2 cup of the milk for heavy cream or evaporated milk; this will give you a richer, slightly thicker sauce without adding more ingredients. If you prefer a sharper flavor, use half mild cheddar and half sharp cheddar, keeping the total cheese amount the same. You can also adjust the garlic intensity by changing the amount of garlic scapes: use as little as 1 cup for a gentler flavor or up to 2 cups for a more pronounced garlicky, green-onion-like bite. To add a bit of texture without increasing the ingredient count, let the top brown a few extra minutes under the broiler at the end, watching closely so it doesn’t burn. For those cooking at high altitude, you may need an extra 5–10 minutes of covered baking time for the pasta to soften fully. Food safety tips: Keep the milk refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble, and don’t let the assembled dish sit out for more than 20–30 minutes before baking to minimize bacterial growth. Leftovers should be cooled, then refrigerated within 2 hours of baking and eaten within 3–4 days. Reheat leftovers until they’re steaming hot in the center (165°F/74°C) before serving. If your cast iron is well-seasoned, the pasta will release easily; if not, you can lightly oil the pan before adding the dry shells to help prevent sticking without changing the ingredient list.