Cheese and pasta are two essential comfort food ingredients. Traditional macaroni and cheese is one of the ultimate comfort foods of all time. I do a slight twist on a simple recipe here. I found that in using small shells instead of traditional macaroni shaped noodles, I can capture more cheese. The shells serve as mini pockets which attract a little pocketful of cheese in each bite. In starting with a basic white sauce, you can branch off and try many different kinds of cheese. I also like to use white cheddar, monterey jack, provolone, or some combination. You can't beat the slight bite of a sharp cheddar, though. Consider mixing it up to perfect your own unique flavor.
Shells 'n Cheddar
Shells:
- 6 quarts water
- 1 pound pasta shells
- extra virgin olive oil
Bring six quarts of water to a boil. Add a couple shakes of olive oil. Add shells. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until desired tenderness is reached. Drain pasta in a colander.
Cheddar Sauce:
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Melt butter in large sauce pan over medium heat. Sprinkle flour over melted butter. Continue stirring for two to three minutes until bubbles form and mixture turns slightly brown. Slowly add milk a few ounces at a time. Mixture will be lumpy if cold milk is added straight from the refrigerator. You can either pour it into a measuring cup and allow it to sit out for 10 to 15 minutes while you do other things or just microwave it for about a minute. Stir the mixture well until the milk absorbs into the flour mixture before adding more. Stir until all milk is added. Continue cooking mixture for about two minutes just until it starts to boil. Remove from heat. Add black pepper to taste. Add cheese, mixing well.
Combo:
Combine pasta and cheese in saucepan. Heat to desired temperature. Enjoy!!NOTE: If you ever need a basic white sauce this makes a great one. So instead of adding cheese, you can leave it like it is or add other great flavors for a completely different flavor or texture.
