Classic Shells and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Classic Shells and Cheese recipe! Perfectly tender medium shell pasta is enveloped in a luxuriously creamy sauce made from a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, infused with just the right touch of paprika for a subtle kick. This easy-to-make dish starts with a simple roux, combining butter and flour, then transforms into a velvety cheese sauce with the addition of milk and heavy cream. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying homemade alternative to boxed mac and cheese. Serve it as a hearty main course or a decadent side dish, and don’t forget to garnish with extra cheese for an irresistible finishing touch.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz medium shell pasta
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
• 0.25 tsp paprika

Directions

Step 1

Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 2

Add the pasta shells to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes.

Step 3

Drain the pasta shells in a colander and set aside.

Step 4

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 5

Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. This is your roux.

Step 6

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once the milk is fully incorporated and smooth, add the heavy cream.

Step 7

Continue to whisk the mixture until it begins to thicken slightly, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses have fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 9

Season the cheese sauce with salt, ground black pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine.

Step 10

Add the cooked pasta shells back into the pot with the cheese sauce and gently stir to coat the shells evenly.

Step 11

Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan or cheddar if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1327.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3445.3

Total Fat 226.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 139.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 696.9mg	0%
Sodium 4270.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 214.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.2g	0%
Total Sugars 31.9g
Protein 135.4g	0%

Vitamin D 262.7IU	0%
Calcium 3153.5mg	0%
Iron 5.9mg	0%
Potassium 1560.5mg	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: 59.2%

Protein: 15.8%

Carbs: 25.0%