Description
A comforting and nostalgic dish, creamy shells and cheese combines sharp cheddar with tender shell pasta for a delightful meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz small shell pasta
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the small shell pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until bubbly.
- Make the roux: Stir in flour and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly until bubbly and golden.
- Add the milk: Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously until thickened and bubbly.
- Melt the cheese: Reduce heat to low, add shredded cheddar, and stir until melted into a smooth sauce.
- Combine: Pour cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring to coat. If too thick, add pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper to preference.
- Serve warmly: Enjoy it alone or paired with grilled chicken or bacon.
Notes
Make-ahead by preparing the cheese sauce in advance. For a crispy topping, bake in an oven-safe dish with breadcrumbs or extra cheese at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: shells and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, family recipe, baked pasta