Creamy Gorgonzola Shells with Cheddar Bliss
Indulge in a luxurious twist on classic Mac N' Cheese with our Creamy Gorgonzola Shells. This dish combines perfectly cooked shell pasta enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce that marries the sharpness of gorgonzola with the comforting richness of white cheddar. Ideal for serving alongside spicy buffalo chicken wings or crispy tenders, this one-dish meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Each bite bursts with flavor, and the gooey cheese pulls will have everyone coming back for seconds!
8
Servings
500
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
macaroni shells
1 lb (dry)
butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (sifted)
whole milk
2 cups (at room temperature)
whipping cream
1 cup (at room temperature)
grated white cheddar cheese
3 cups (shredded)
crumbled gorgonzola cheese
1 1/2 cups (for topping and mixing)
minced fresh chives
1 tablespoon (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish and set aside.
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni shells until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, gradually add the flour, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux. Do not let it brown.
4
Slowly whisk in the whole milk and whipping cream, continuing to cook while whisking occasionally. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens slightly.
5
Reduce the heat to low, and add the grated white cheddar cheese and crumbled gorgonzola. Stir until the cheeses have completely melted and are well combined with the sauce.
6
Add the cooked macaroni shells to the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
7
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of crumbled gorgonzola cheese over the top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 25-30 minutes.
9
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chives, and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy delight!
Nutrition Information
28.75g
Fat
40g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Creamy Gorgonzola Shells with Cheddar Bliss.
What are the primary cheeses used in this dish?
This dish uses a combination of grated white cheddar cheese and crumbled gorgonzola.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What type of pasta shape is required?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of macaroni shells.
How long should the pasta be baked in the oven?
The pasta should bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish is recommended.
How much white cheddar cheese is needed?
You will need 3 cups of shredded white cheddar cheese.
How much gorgonzola cheese is used in total?
A total of 1 and 1/2 cups of crumbled gorgonzola is used for mixing and topping.
Does the sauce contain cream?
Yes, the sauce includes 1 cup of whipping cream.
What kind of milk should be used for the sauce?
The recipe specifies using 2 cups of whole milk.
How is the cheese sauce base prepared?
The sauce starts by melting butter and adding flour to create a roux, followed by milk and cream.
What garnish is used for this dish?
The dish is finished with 1 tablespoon of minced fresh chives.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 500 calories.
How much protein is in a single serving?
There are 20 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 40 grams of carbohydrates.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 28.75 grams of fat.
What is the preparation method for the butter?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Should the macaroni shells be fully cooked before baking?
The shells should be cooked until al dente before being mixed with the sauce and baked.
How should the flour be prepared?
The 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour should be sifted before use.
What temperature should the dairy ingredients be?
Both the whole milk and whipping cream should be at room temperature.
How is the gorgonzola divided during assembly?
One cup is stirred into the sauce, and the remaining 1/2 cup is sprinkled over the top before baking.
What is the final visual cue that the dish is done?
The dish is ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
What are some suggested food pairings for this pasta?
It pairs perfectly with spicy buffalo chicken wings or crispy tenders.
Does the baking dish require greasing?
Yes, you should grease the glass baking dish before adding the macaroni mixture.
What category of meal does this recipe fall under?
This is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
What is the texture of the cheese sauce?
The sauce is described as velvety and rich.
How many distinct ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients in the recipe.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and a cheesy pasta dish.
Should the dish be served immediately?
It is recommended to let the dish cool slightly after removing it from the oven before serving.