Indulge in the creamy, dreamy world of comfort food with our irresistible White Cheddar Shells and Cheese! This delightful dish is the ultimate mac and cheese upgrade, featuring tender shell pasta enveloped in a rich and velvety white cheddar sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this recipe is not only quick to prepare—taking just 30 minutes from start to finish—but also delivers a gourmet experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your comfort food game? Let’s dive into this cheesy goodness!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz shell pasta
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the shell pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a separate medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes smooth and slightly foamy.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to simmer, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from heat and gradually stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, shaking off excess water.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked shell pasta and gently stir to ensure all pasta is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and creamy, garnishing with additional black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to cook the shell pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the cheese sauce. This ensures a perfect texture that holds up well with the creamy sauce.
- Cheese Selection: While white cheddar is the star of this recipe, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for added depth of flavor. Just ensure they melt well!
- Smooth Sauce: Whisk continuously when adding the milk to the roux to prevent lumps. If you do end up with lumps, use an immersion blender to smooth out the sauce before adding the cheese.
- Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste the cheese sauce before combining it with the pasta, and adjust the seasoning to your liking for the best flavor.
- Garnish Ideas: For a little extra flair, consider garnishing your dish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for added crunch.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently on the stove before mixing with the cooked pasta.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your White Cheddar Shells and Cheese with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 590kcal
Carbohydrates: 53g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
