Cheesy Ranch Shells My Fav Homemade Mac Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with "Cheesy Ranch Shells: My Fav Homemade Mac Cheese," a creamy, flavorful twist on classic macaroni and cheese. This indulgent recipe combines tender medium shell pasta with a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from a trio of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese, perfectly seasoned with a zesty dry ranch seasoning mix. The sauce comes together effortlessly with a simple roux and whole milk base, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture every time. Topped with optional Parmesan and fresh parsley for a gourmet touch, this 40-minute dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Packed with bold flavors and comforting cheesy goodness, this ranch-flavored mac and cheese is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces Medium shell pasta
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 ounces Cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons Dry ranch seasoning mix
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 0 Salt (to taste)
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Step 3
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking consistently to ensure no lumps form. Continue to heat the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
Step 4
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and cream cheese. Stir until all the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5
Stir in the dry ranch seasoning mix, black pepper, and salt to taste.
Step 6
Add the cooked shell pasta to the cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 7
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 8
Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.
Step 9
Serve warm and enjoy your Cheesy Ranch Shells!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1680.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4115.2 |
| Total Fat 237.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 144.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.5g | |
| Cholesterol 716.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5088.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 328.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 11.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 51.9g | |
| Protein 183.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 369.9IU | 0% |
| Calcium 4183.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 7.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2197.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories