Pantry Italian Shells and Cheese

Transform your basic pantry staples into a comforting bowl of indulgence with Pantry Italian Shells and Cheese, a quick and flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese! This easy-to-make recipe pairs tender shell pasta with a rich, velvety cheese sauce infused with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and just a hint of heat from optional red pepper flakes. Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses melt seamlessly into the creamy roux, creating a luscious, cheesy coating for every bite. Ready in only 30 minutes, this crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family meal. Serve it as a satisfying main course or a decadent side, finished with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh parsley for a touch of elegance. If you're searching for an effortless comfort food that feels gourmet, this Italian-inspired pasta dish is sure to deliver.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces medium shell pasta
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for garnish, optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.

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 make a roux.

Step 3

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to create a smooth sauce. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.

Step 5

Reduce heat to low and add the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it a bit until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1408.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2963.9

Total Fat 130.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 70.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 359.3mg	0%
Sodium 4005.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 310.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.4g	0%
Total Sugars 47.8g
Protein 144.6g	0%

Vitamin D 322.1IU	0%
Calcium 3114.0mg	0%
Iron 6.6mg	0%
Potassium 1972.3mg	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: 39.3%

Protein: 19.3%

Carbs: 41.4%