Craving a comforting and cheesy dish in a flash? Look no further than this Quick and Easy Stovetop Shells and Cheese recipe! This classic, homemade mac and cheese is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, delivering a satisfying meal without the fuss. Learn how to whip up creamy, cheesy goodness in under 30 minutes, making it the ultimate fast family dinner solution.
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Why You'll Want to Make Quick and Easy Stovetop Shells & Cheese
- Faster Than Takeout: This dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. No more waiting around for delivery!
- Creamy, Cheesy Goodness: Skip the artificial flavors of boxed mac and cheese. This recipe delivers rich, decadent cheese sauce that will have you going back for seconds.
- Pantry Staple Superstar: Chances are you already have most of the ingredients on hand. Pasta, milk, cheese, butter, flour - that's all you need for a base recipe.
- Endless Customization: Feel free to get creative! Add cooked chicken, broccoli, or crumbled bacon for a heartier meal. Want to kick it up a notch? Throw in some hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Ingredients - Here's What You'll Need to Make Quick and Easy Stovetop Shells & Cheese
Steps to Make Quick and Easy Stovetop Shells & Cheese
- Melt the unsalted butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the all-purpose flour and stir to combine. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes to make a light blond roux.
- Add the whole milk and half & half cream, whisking well after each addition.
- Continue to whisk constantly for a few minutes until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
- Once the mixture has thickened, add the garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard powder, white pepper, and Kosher salt. Then, whisk well to incorporate the spices.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cheeses, a handful at a time.
- Whisk well after each addition until all of the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions, minus one minute from al dente. Drain in a colander set in the kitchen sink, then add to the cheese sauce.
- Stir the pasta into the cheese sauce, until all of the pasta is well coated with the cheese sauce. Allow the pasta to cook in the sauce on low for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to incorporate into the pasta.
This Quick and Easy Stovetop Shells and Cheese is more than just a meal; it's a versatile and adaptable recipe perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, mastering this simple, creamy pasta dish means you'll always have a delicious, satisfying dinner option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While shells are classic, any short pasta, such as elbows, rotini, or cavatappi, will work well.
If your sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few extra minutes to let it thicken. If it's too thick, whisk in a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
You can cook the pasta and make the cheese sauce ahead of time. However, it's best to combine them and heat them just before serving to avoid making the pasta mushy.
Let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to achieve the desired consistency. Or it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. If it's frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.
The best cheeses to use are extra sharp cheddar or white cheddar cheese. However, you can experiment using Gruyère, Fontana, Smoked Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheeses.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Grate fresh cheese for the best results.
- Don't underestimate the power of spices: A pinch of nutmeg, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper can add unexpected depth of flavor.
- Embrace the herbs: Freshly chopped chives, parsley, or thyme add a bright pop of flavor right before serving.
- Add some protein? Cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp are all delicious additions to your shells and cheese.
Other Great Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
- Guinness and Kerrygold Irish Mac & Cheese
- Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac & Cheese
- Susan's Easy Stovetop Mac & Cheese
- Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
- Pastrami and Irish Cheddar Mac & Cheese
- Cajun Three-Cheese Crawfish & Andouille Macaroni
- Ultimate Three-Cheese Mac & Cheese Bites
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Recipe
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Quick and Easy Stovetop Shells & Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 tbs Unsalted Butter
- 2 tbs All-Purpose Flour
- 1 c Whole Milk
- 1 c Half & Half Cream
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Dry Mustard Powder
- ¼ teaspoon White Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 6 oz Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 2 oz White Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 16 oz Small Shells Pasta
Instructions
- Melt the unsalted butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the all-purpose flour and stir to combine. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes to make a light blond roux.
- Add the whole milk and half-and-half cream, whisking well after each addition. Continue to whisk constantly for a few minutes until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
- Once the mixture has thickened, add the garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard powder, white pepper, and Kosher salt. Then, whisk well to incorporate the spices.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cheeses, a handful at a time, whisking well after each addition until all of the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions, minus one minute from al dente. Drain in a colander set in the kitchen sink, then add to the cheese sauce. Stir the pasta into the sauce until it is well coated with the cheese sauce. Allow the pasta to cook in the sauce on low for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to incorporate into the pasta.
- Yield 6 servings.
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