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Nothing beats a comforting shells and cheese casserole. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, it's a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s sure to become a household favorite. Let's dive into this cheesy goodness!
Shells and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 oz uncooked pasta shells
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Combine the cooked pasta shells with the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
What You Will Need to Make This Dish
Read more: Cheese Danish Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make shells and cheese casserole
- Pasta shells: These hold the cheese sauce perfectly, giving each bite a delightful texture and flavor.
- Cheddar cheese: Provides a rich, creamy taste that makes the dish comforting and delicious.
- Milk: Helps create a smooth, velvety cheese sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps form the base of the cheese sauce.
- Flour: Thickens the sauce, ensuring it clings to the pasta for a satisfying bite.
Essential Tools and Instruments
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Shells and Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Saucepan: Needed to melt butter, cook flour, and thicken milk for the cheese sauce.
- Whisk: Essential for blending flour into butter and ensuring a smooth cheese sauce.
- Baking dish: Used to bake the combined pasta and cheese sauce until bubbly and golden.
- Colander: Drains cooked pasta shells, preventing excess water from diluting the cheese sauce.
- Measuring cups: Ensures precise amounts of milk, flour, and cheese for consistent results.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for mixing pasta with cheese sauce without damaging the pasta shells.
Shells and Cheese Casserole Recipe
A comforting and cheesy casserole perfect for any meal.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Pasta Shells uncooked
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Combine the cooked pasta shells with the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
Feel free to add some breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
Read more: Italian Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the casserole up to the baking step.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- When ready to bake, remove from fridge and let sit at room temp for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole but don't bake.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Let sit at room temp for 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake as directed.
For a twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce. It enhances the flavor and adds a subtle warmth to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta shells and substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour.
Can I add other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Mix in some mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack for extra flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
What can I add for extra protein?
Add cooked chicken, bacon, or even ground beef to the mix before baking.
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