Cheesy Shells and Green Beans
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Shells and Green Beans recipe, a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and vibrant veggie crunch. Al dente shell pasta and tender green beans are combined in a luscious homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a hint of garlic for an irresistible flavor boost. This easy-to-make dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that both kids and adults will love. Serve it as a hearty main or a decadent side, and don’t forget to top it off with extra Parmesan for the perfect finishing touch. Whether you're craving a cozy meal or need a versatile vegetarian option, this recipe hits all the right notes.
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces small shell pasta
- 8 ounces fresh green beans
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 quarts water
- 2 teaspoons salt (for boiling water)
Directions
Step 1
Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 teaspoons of salt to the boiling water.
Step 2
Add the shell pasta to the boiling water and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3
During the last 3 minutes of the pasta’s cooking time, add the green beans directly into the boiling pasta water.
Step 4
Drain the pasta and green beans together, then toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 5
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Step 6
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Step 7
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 8
Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 9
Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 10
Add the cooked pasta and green beans to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 11
Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (5239.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3276.4 |
| Total Fat 168.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 97.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.9g | |
| Cholesterol 473.7mg | 0% |
| Sodium 9918.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 309.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 40.2g | |
| Protein 153.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 214.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 3498.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 7.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2034.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories