Comfort and Cream

Indulge in the ultimate cozy meal with "Comfort and Cream," a rich and creamy pasta dish that brings warmth to every bite. Featuring tender shells or fusilli coated in a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, parmesan, and a luscious blend of whole milk and heavy cream, this recipe is the perfect balance of decadence and simplicity. The addition of garlic powder and a hint of thyme elevates the flavors, while an optional golden breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch. Ready in just 30 minutes, "Comfort and Cream" is an easy comfort food dish ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Serve it as a standalone meal or pair it with a crisp green salad for a complete, satisfying feast. Perfect for fans of mac and cheese, creamy pasta, or indulgent comfort food recipes!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams pasta (e.g., shells or fusilli)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for breadcrumbs)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

Step 3

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. The mixture should be golden and free of lumps.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheeses, a handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6

Add the garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 8

Optional: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the top. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Step 9

Serve warm and enjoy your Comfort and Cream!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1423.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3458.4

Total Fat 257.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 152.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 742.6mg	0%
Sodium 4558.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 158.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.2g	0%
Total Sugars 29.3g
Protein 126.3g	0%

Vitamin D 262.7IU	0%
Calcium 3153.9mg	0%
Iron 5.6mg	0%
Potassium 1215.5mg	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: 67.1%

Protein: 14.6%

Carbs: 18.3%