Pantry Shells and Cheese Made Better
Elevate your favorite boxed comfort food with this irresistible recipe for Pantry Shells and Cheese Made Better! Perfect for busy weeknights, this creamy and rich upgrade combines familiar convenience with gourmet flair. Enhanced with shredded cheddar cheese, aromatic garlic powder, and a hint of smoky paprika, the velvety sauce clings effortlessly to tender shell-shaped pasta. The addition of toasted breadcrumbs provides a delightful crunch, while optional red pepper flakes offer a customizable kick for spice lovers. Ready in just 20 minutes and made entirely from pantry staples, this quick and easy dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it piping hot for a crowd-pleasing twist on a classic—comfort food has never tasted so good!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 box Boxed shells and cheese
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1.5 cups Milk
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoons Paprika
- 0.25 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 0.125 teaspoons Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Olive oil
Instructions
Bring a medium-sized pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shells from the boxed shells and cheese according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Add garlic powder, paprika, and ground black pepper to the melted butter, stirring for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
Gradually whisk in 1.5 cups of milk and cook until the mixture is warm and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the cheese sauce packet from the box, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and optional crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix well until the cheese is fully melted into the sauce.
Add the cooked shells to the cheese sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly.
In a separate small pan, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and toast, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
Serve the shells and cheese hot, topped with the toasted breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1899 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 98.4 g | 126% | |
| Saturated Fat | 50.0 g | 250% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 248 mg | 83% | |
| Sodium | 3521 mg | 153% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 193.7 g | 70% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.4 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.5 g | ||
| Protein | 68.6 g | 137% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.1 mcg | 21% | |
| Calcium | 1590 mg | 122% | |
| Iron | 7.2 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 1044 mg | 22% | |
*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.
