Description
A creamy and cheesy shells and cheese recipe that brings joy and comfort to every meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta shells
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta shells, cooking them according to package instructions until they reach an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain and set aside, ensuring they’re not overcooked.
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter patiently, allowing it to foam slightly without browning.
- Create the roux: Stir in the flour, cooking for about one minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. This step forms the base for your cheese sauce and is foundational for that creamy consistency.
- Whisk in the milk: Gradually incorporate the milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens, creating a luscious creaminess.
- Add the cheese and season: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Watch in delight as the cheese melts, creating a velvety sauce that glistens.
- Combine the pasta and sauce: With a spatula, gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the cheese sauce, ensuring every shell is generously coated.
- Serve warm: Serve immediately, basking in the rich aroma and creamy delight.
Notes
Make-ahead tips: Prepare the cheese sauce and pasta shells in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and combine them just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: shells and cheese, comfort food, pasta, cheesy pasta