Seashells Macaroni Cheese
Dive into ultimate comfort food bliss with this indulgent Seashells Macaroni Cheese recipe—a creamy, baked pasta dish that's as visually appealing as it is mouthwatering. Made with tender seashell pasta and a luscious trio of cheeses—sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and savory Parmesan—this dish is elevated with a velvety homemade béchamel sauce. The golden, crispy layer of buttery panko breadcrumbs adds the perfect crunch to every bite, making it irresistibly satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings, this baked macaroni and cheese is easy to prepare and packed with rich, cheesy flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Comfort food has never looked (or tasted) better!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 450 grams seashell pasta (medium shells)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup gruyere cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with a bit of olive oil or butter and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the seashell pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens (about 3–5 minutes).
Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese, and grated parmesan cheese, stirring each time until fully melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, making sure the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Seashells Macaroni Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6359 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 366.0 g | 469% | |
| Saturated Fat | 206.9 g | 1034% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1002 mg | 334% | |
| Sodium | 8868 mg | 386% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 482.6 g | 175% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.1 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 47.6 g | ||
| Protein | 278.2 g | 556% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.9 mcg | 49% | |
| Calcium | 6457 mg | 497% | |
| Iron | 15.1 mg | 84% | |
| Potassium | 2393 mg | 51% | |
*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.
