Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells Recipe

We all know and love Mac and Cheese. It’s a part of our childhood, teenagehood, and let’s face it, our adulthood too (at least mine!). However I’m always up for some changes, and this recipe is the perfect twist to the flavors we love. You’ll be able to blow your friends and family away by giving them all the taste of such an iconic dish, but with a completely different presentation and texture.

Today, we’re giving you an alternative to the classic Mac n Cheese: the deep-fried Stuffed pasta mac and cheese! As a vegetarian, cheese is my weakness so I was eager to share this recipe with you.

Eventhough adding cheese to your pasta is not always advised in Italian tradition, I cannot resist the American twist of adding cheddar to it. It actually makes this dish even more comforting and indulgent!

List of ingredients

Small pasta shells

2 Cups (c)
Jumbo pasta shells

20 Units
Butter

2 Table spoons (tbsp)
Velveeta cheese (cubed) or emmental cheese

1 Units
Shredded cheddar cheese

2 Cups (c)
Heavy whipping cream

1 Cups (c)
Grated Parmesan cheese, divided

3/4 Cups (c)
2% milk, divided

1-1/4 Cups (c)
Large eggs

2 Units
Panko bread crumbs

2 Cups (c)
All-purpose flour

1/2 Cups (c)
Oil for deep-fat frying

The ultimate comfort food for cold and cosy winter evenings

These deep-fried mac & cheese stuffed shells are both easy and fast to make. In less than an-hour of meal prep, you will get a gourmet dish for all your friends. Spoiler alert, this recipe can fall a bit on the heavy side, so if you want to balance the fattyness of the cheese you can always add some sauteed green veggies. Asparagus, Kale or green beans are amongst our favorite ones!

Steps to make Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells Recipe

Prepare the pasta

Follow the package directions to cook your shells al dente. Don’t forget to add some salt in the boiling water to give your pasta some taste.
Prepare the cheese mixture

Melt butter over low heat, in a large saucepan. Add Velveeta, cheddar cheese, and cream. Top with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally until it is fully blended. Remove from heat.
Combine pasta and cheese

In another large saucepan, combine your small pasta shells and half the cheese mixture; set aside.
Make the cheesy dipping sauce

To make the dipping sauce, mix 1 cup of milk into the leftover cheese mixture and set it aside to keep warm.
Get your pasta crunshy

In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs with remaining milk. Combine bread crumbs and remaining Parmesan cheese in another bowl. Place flour in a third shallow bowl. Fill each Jumbo shell with just enough pasta mixture to cover the bottom. Dip in flour to coat all sides; shake off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then in bread crumb mixture, patting to help coating adhere.
Fry it!

In an electric skillet or a deep fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry shells, a few at a time, 1-2 minutes on each side or until dark golden brown. Serve with dipping sauce.

Wanna be healthier?

Our deep-fried mac & cheese shells are amazing, but they’re really filling! Do you want a healthier recipe? Don’t forget to check ou our spinach-ricotta stuffed shells recipe and our Thanksgiving leftovers pasta recipe.