Creamy Smoked Gouda Shells and Cheese
Creamy Smoked Gouda Shells and Cheese features a velvety, gently smoky sauce that envelopes tender pasta for pure comfort in every bite. The nuanced smokiness from Gouda adds depth without overpowering, making it a standout twist on a classic. Serve it as a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side at gatherings.
- Prep10 mins
- Cook30 mins
- Serves8
- DifficultyEasy
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a casserole dish.
- 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shell pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender but still slightly firm, about 9 minutes.
- 3
While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring, until the mixture turns paste-like and light golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk, salt, and pepper, then bring to a simmer over medium heat. Gradually whisk in shredded cheese; cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce is smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 5 to 10 minutes.
- 4
Drain the pasta and move it to a large bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over it and stir until fully combined. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
- 5
Bake in the preheated oven until heated through, about 15 minutes.
- Calories 271.07 kcal Moderate
- Protein 11.2 g Good Source
- Carbs 37.77 g Moderate
- Total Fat 8.18 g Moderate
- Saturated Fat 4.67 g High
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source
- Cholesterol 23.9 mg Moderate
- Sodium 172.64 mg Moderate
- Fiber 1.66 g Low Source
- Sugar 5.89 g Moderate
- Added Sugar 0.0 g Low Source
- Calcium 202.44 mg Moderate
- Iron 1.48 mg Low Source
- Potassium 128.9 mg Low Source
- Vitamin A 130.69 mcg_rae Moderate
- Vitamin C 0.0 mg Low Source
- Vitamin D 0.84 mcg Low Source
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Milk 🥛
- Wheat 🌾
- Gluten