Imagine a creamy, cheesy paradise that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor - that's exactly what this Slow Cooker Shells and Cheese promises! Whether you're a busy parent, a comfort food enthusiast, or just someone who loves a foolproof recipe, this dish is about to become your new obsession. Forget complicated cooking techniques and endless dishes; with just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you'll create a mouthwatering meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 16 oz shell pasta
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the uncooked shell pasta directly into the slow cooker, ensuring it's evenly distributed across the bottom of the pot.
- Cut the butter into small cubes and scatter them over the pasta.
- Sprinkle garlic powder evenly across the pasta and butter.
- Pour the milk over the pasta, making sure to cover most of the shells.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring gently to distribute it throughout the pasta.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing carefully to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting.
- Cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Check pasta for doneness and creaminess around
- 5 hours. If needed, add a small amount of additional milk to maintain desired consistency.
- Once pasta is tender and cheese is melted and creamy, turn off the slow cooker.
- Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for the smoothest, most luxurious texture.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cheese distribution.
- If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add a little warm milk to achieve your desired creaminess.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of mustard powder or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
- Don't overcook the pasta - check for doneness around
- 5 hours to maintain the perfect al dente texture.
- Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and settle.
- Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or a blend for more complex flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 85mg
