Cheesy Shells and Green Beans
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Shells and Green Beans recipe, a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and vibrant veggie crunch. Al dente shell pasta and tender green beans are combined in a luscious homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a hint of garlic for an irresistible flavor boost. This easy-to-make dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that both kids and adults will love. Serve it as a hearty main or a decadent side, and don’t forget to top it off with extra Parmesan for the perfect finishing touch. Whether you're craving a cozy meal or need a versatile vegetarian option, this recipe hits all the right notes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces small shell pasta
- 8 ounces fresh green beans
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 quarts water
- 2 teaspoons salt (for boiling water)
Instructions
Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 teaspoons of salt to the boiling water.
Add the shell pasta to the boiling water and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
During the last 3 minutes of the pasta’s cooking time, add the green beans directly into the boiling pasta water.
Drain the pasta and green beans together, then toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Add the cooked pasta and green beans to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
821 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.9 g | 54% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.9 g | 124% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 115 mg | 38% | |
| Sodium | 2464 mg | 107% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 79.9 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.2 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.2 g | ||
| Protein | 38.0 g | 76% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.7 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 902 mg | 69% | |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 389 mg | 8% | |
*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.
