Shells and Cheese Stove Top Casserole
Dive into pure comfort with this Shells and Cheese Stove Top Casserole, a quick and satisfying twist on classic macaroni and cheese. This creamy dish features tender pasta shells enveloped in a velvety, homemade cheese sauce crafted from sharp cheddar, nutty gruyere, and savory parmesan. Infused with a touch of Dijon mustard for depth and perfectly seasoned with salt, pepper, and optional paprika, this casserole is elevated with minimal effort. Cooked entirely on the stovetop, it's ready in just 30 minutes, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner. For an extra layer of indulgence, sprinkle buttery breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy finish. Perfect for feeding a crowd or savoring leftovers, this recipe proves comfort food can also be quick and easy to prepare.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups medium cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 0.25 tsp paprika (optional, for garnish)
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese, and parmesan cheese in small handfuls. Stir until each addition is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add the cooked pasta shells to the cheese sauce and gently stir until the shells are evenly coated.
If you prefer a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole. Optionally, dust with a pinch of paprika for added color.
Cover and cook on the stovetop over low heat for 3-5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to warm and absorb some moisture.
Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy your creamy Shells and Cheese Stove Top Casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4593 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 284.3 g | 364% | |
| Saturated Fat | 170.6 g | 853% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 863 mg | 288% | |
| Sodium | 5490 mg | 239% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 327.3 g | 119% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.7 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 38.5 g | ||
| Protein | 185.5 g | 371% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.2 mcg | 36% | |
| Calcium | 4280 mg | 329% | |
| Iron | 8.7 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 1504 mg | 32% | |
*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.
