Easy Pasta Shells and Cheese
This take on classic Shells and Cheese is easy to make and requires just 6 main ingredients. To really elevate this cheesy dish, top it with my toasted breadcrumbs mixture.
Calories: 3985kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta shells
- 4 ounces cream cheese ½ block
- 1 cup half & half
- 8 ounces freshly shredded cheddar cheese about 1 ½ cup
- 2 ounces freshly grated parmesan cheese about ½ cup
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or homemade breadcrumbs
- pinch of salt and dash of garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells per package directions in a large pot of boiling, salted water. Once cooked, drain the pasta and return the pot to low heat.
- Add the cream cheese and half and half, stirring until the cream cheese is melted. Add the cheddar cheese and stir until melted and well combined.
- Add the pasta back to the pot, stirring to coat with the cheese sauce. Taste and season with salt to taste.
- Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top of pasta and serve. Also sprinkle with chopped parsley if you want.
Notes
Recipe Variations:
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- Add Protein: For barbecue flavor, add Easy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken. For a Mexican twist, use leftover Crock Pot Mexican Shredded Beef. For a simple addition, try cubed ham, crispy bacon, or rotisserie chicken.
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- Add Vegetables: Try steamed or Roasted Broccoli or frozen peas and carrots.
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- Add Heat: Sprinkle a pinch of black pepper, red pepper flakes, or finely diced jalapenos on top to add a bit of spice.
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- Switch Up The Cheese: You can use Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or Smoked Mozzarella.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 3985kcal | Carbohydrates: 406g | Protein: 155g | Fat: 191g | Saturated Fat: 109g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 47g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 525mg | Sodium: 3542mg | Potassium: 1841mg | Fiber: 17g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 5795IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 2856mg | Iron: 10mg