Description
A comforting dish of pasta shells enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta shells
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it starts to sizzle.
- Make the Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour, cooking for about 1 minute.
- Whisk in the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and simmers gently.
- Stir in the Cheese: Remove from heat, and mix in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with Pasta: Fold in the cooked pasta shells until coated in the cheese sauce.
- Optional Baking Step: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until breadcrumbs are golden.
- Serve Warm: Ladle onto plates and enjoy.
Notes
Feel free to customize with different cheeses or add vegetables such as broccoli or meats like bacon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: shells and cheese, macaroni and cheese, comfort food