Pantry Hawaiian Shells and Cheese
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this delightfully tropical twist on a comfort food classic—Pantry Hawaiian Shells and Cheese. This quick and easy recipe combines tender pasta shells, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, sweet bursts of crushed pineapple, and savory bites of diced ham, all tied together with a hint of soy sauce and garlic for an irresistible flavor fusion. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a unique dish that balances salty and sweet in every bite. Perfectly topped with optional crispy panko breadcrumbs for added texture, this cheesy creation is a simple, family-friendly meal that brings a taste of the islands straight from your pantry to the table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces small pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 cup diced ham
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the shells and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to make a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Gently fold in the crushed pineapple, diced ham, garlic powder, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Add the cooked pasta shells to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
If topping with breadcrumbs, preheat your broiler to high. Transfer the pasta mixture to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly on top, and broil for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve the Pantry Hawaiian Shells and Cheese immediately, garnished with parsley or green onions if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3138 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 121.5 g | 156% | |
| Saturated Fat | 71.0 g | 355% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 442 mg | 147% | |
| Sodium | 5549 mg | 241% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 370.6 g | 135% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.4 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 63.3 g | ||
| Protein | 149.0 g | 298% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.5 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 2369 mg | 182% | |
| Iron | 8.2 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 2332 mg | 50% | |
*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.
