Cheesy Ranch Shells My Fav Homemade Mac Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with "Cheesy Ranch Shells: My Fav Homemade Mac Cheese," a creamy, flavorful twist on classic macaroni and cheese. This indulgent recipe combines tender medium shell pasta with a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from a trio of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese, perfectly seasoned with a zesty dry ranch seasoning mix. The sauce comes together effortlessly with a simple roux and whole milk base, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture every time. Topped with optional Parmesan and fresh parsley for a gourmet touch, this 40-minute dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Packed with bold flavors and comforting cheesy goodness, this ranch-flavored mac and cheese is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Medium shell pasta
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 ounces Cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons Dry ranch seasoning mix
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- Salt (to taste)
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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 create a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking consistently to ensure no lumps form. Continue to heat the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and cream cheese. Stir until all the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the dry ranch seasoning mix, black pepper, and salt to taste.
Add the cooked shell pasta to the cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.
Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.
Serve warm and enjoy your Cheesy Ranch Shells!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4115 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 237.5 g | 304% | |
| Saturated Fat | 144.7 g | 724% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 716 mg | 239% | |
| Sodium | 5089 mg | 221% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 328.6 g | 119% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.8 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.9 g | ||
| Protein | 183.9 g | 368% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.2 mcg | 46% | |
| Calcium | 4183 mg | 322% | |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 2198 mg | 47% | |
*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.
