Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with these irresistible Mac n Cheese Stuffed Shells! Imagine creamy macaroni and cheese nestled inside tender jumbo pasta shells, all topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of cheesy goodness that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're hosting a cozy dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, these stuffed shells are sure to impress. Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a cheesy masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for your secret!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Jumbo pasta shells
- Macaroni
- Cheddar cheese
- Milk
- Butter
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, then set aside to cool.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
- Cook macaroni separately in salted water until just tender. Drain and mix into the cheese sauce, creating a creamy mac and cheese filling.
- Carefully stuff each cooled pasta shell with the mac and cheese mixture, placing them seam-side up in the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the stuffed shells.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To ensure your jumbo shells hold their shape and are easy to stuff, cook them just until al dente. This will prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Smooth Sauce: When making the cheese sauce, whisk continuously to avoid lumps. If you do end up with lumps, you can use an immersion blender to smooth it out before adding the cheese.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Mixing in some mozzarella or gouda can add a delicious twist to the flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Garnish for Flavor: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives before serving not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair these stuffed shells with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete your meal and impress your guests!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 368kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 66mg
