Shells and Cheese Stove Top Casserole

Dive into pure comfort with this Shells and Cheese Stove Top Casserole, a quick and satisfying twist on classic macaroni and cheese. This creamy dish features tender pasta shells enveloped in a velvety, homemade cheese sauce crafted from sharp cheddar, nutty gruyere, and savory parmesan. Infused with a touch of Dijon mustard for depth and perfectly seasoned with salt, pepper, and optional paprika, this casserole is elevated with minimal effort. Cooked entirely on the stovetop, it's ready in just 30 minutes, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner. For an extra layer of indulgence, sprinkle buttery breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy finish. Perfect for feeding a crowd or savoring leftovers, this recipe proves comfort food can also be quick and easy to prepare.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz medium pasta shells
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups medium cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• 0.25 tsp paprika (optional, for garnish)
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 3

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese, and parmesan cheese in small handfuls. Stir until each addition is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5

Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta shells to the cheese sauce and gently stir until the shells are evenly coated.

Step 7

If you prefer a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole. Optionally, dust with a pinch of paprika for added color.

Step 8

Cover and cook on the stovetop over low heat for 3-5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to warm and absorb some moisture.

Step 9

Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy your creamy Shells and Cheese Stove Top Casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1614.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4593.1

Total Fat 284.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 170.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 862.6mg	0%
Sodium 5489.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 327.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.7g	0%
Total Sugars 38.5g
Protein 185.5g	0%

Vitamin D 286.7IU	0%
Calcium 4279.5mg	0%
Iron 8.7mg	0%
Potassium 1504.1mg	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: 55.5%

Protein: 16.1%

Carbs: 28.4%