Craving a comforting and cheesy dish in a flash? Look no further than Quick and Easy Stovetop Shells and Cheese! This classic recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or whenever you need a satisfying meal without the fuss. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a pot of creamy, cheesy goodness that the whole family will love.
In addition to being quick and easy, shells and cheese is also endlessly customizable. You can add in your favorite protein or vegetables, or experiment with different types of cheese to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, Quick and Easy Stovetop Shells & Cheese is a recipe that’s sure to become a go-to in your meal repertoire. So ditch the takeout menus and give this classic comfort food a try!
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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.
So ditch the stress and embrace the cheesy goodness! Quick and easy stovetop shells and cheese is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen.
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.
Yes, you can freeze leftover shells and cheese for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
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
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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 tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Dry Mustard Powder
- ¼ tsp White Pepper
- ¼ tsp 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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