Cheesy Shells

Indulge in ultimate comfort with this creamy, decadent Cheesy Shells recipe, a must-try for any pasta lover. Featuring tender pasta shells enveloped in a velvety three-cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this dish is pure cheesy perfection. The rich sauce is elevated with subtle hints of garlic and mustard powder, giving it a gourmet twist that's bursting with flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in. Garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color, these Cheesy Shells are best served hot and gooey—guaranteed to satisfy every craving. Whether you're searching for comfort food or looking for a crowd-pleasing meal, this recipe is the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Pasta shells
• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 2 cups Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and slightly golden.

Step 3

Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5

Season the sauce with garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to incorporate the seasonings.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta shells to the cheese sauce and toss to coat evenly.

Step 7

Transfer the cheesy shells to a serving dish or bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 8

Serve immediately while hot and gooey. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1590.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4447.0

Total Fat 273.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 163.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.9g
Cholesterol 841.5mg	0%
Sodium 5783.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 308.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.5g	0%
Total Sugars 36.1g
Protein 178.4g	0%

Vitamin D 223.7IU	0%
Calcium 4004.4mg	0%
Iron 13.6mg	0%
Potassium 811.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.9%

Protein: 16.2%

Carbs: 28.0%