BETTER THAN THE BOX SHELLS MACARONI AND CHEESE RECIPE

This ooey gooey creamy and cheesy shells macaroni and cheese recipe is better than the box stuff by far. If your kids are like mine and live for Kraft or Velveeta boxed mac and cheese, make this version at home instead! It’s less expensive per serving, tastes WAY better, reheats well, and is perfect for feeding a crowd!

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THIS SHELLS MACARONI AND CHEESE RECIPE IS BETTER THAN THE BOXED STUFF

Honestly, I never planned to share this recipe on Mom’s Favorite Meals. There are SO many fancy mac and cheese recipes out there but my family and I are often a simple box mac and cheese family. 

I grew up eating Velveeta shells and cheese (and they’re still a favorite), but they can be a bit pricy and I don’t think they taste great reheated. 

One night, I had a random 1 pound box of Velveeta cheese in my pantry and decided to make my own version of “the boxed stuff” for my family. 

I added in some sour cream and milk with the cheese and didn’t think much of it until my four year old daughter, Caroline, shouted, “MAMA THIS IS THE BEST MAC AND CHEESE EVER! CAN WE EAT IT EVERY DAY??”

I *immediately* ran back to the kitchen and wrote down the measurements of what I had used because I do not take that praise lightly and knew I wanted to make it again.

Now, I know I’ll get feedback that Velveeta isn’t real cheese and that I should be making roux, using cheddar cheese, etc. I get all of that and know that there are fancier recipes out there. I actually make those recipes at home on occasion too.

BUT I know there are families like mine who don’t always care about fancy and want simple recipes like this.

I’m sharing this recipe for them & I’m sharing for my own kiddos to look back on one day because there’s something really special about those simple, tried and true recipes from your childhood.

WHY THIS SIMPLE KID FRIENDLY SHELLS MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE WORKS

Picky Kid Approved

I’ve never met a kid who didn’t like mac and cheese, and this recipe is a GREAT version for kiddos who only like the creamiest, cheesiest mac and cheese! 

Quick & Easy

This recipe takes no longer to make than heating up the boxed stuff. Boil water, add noodles, add cheese, milk and sour cream. Boom, you’re done in 15 minutes.

Huge Portion

This makes a TON of mac and cheese. Perfect for taking to family gatherings. If you have a small family like mine, plan for lots of leftovers OR make half the recipe instead. 

Reheats Well

Unlike the box stuff, this mac and cheese recipe tastes GREAT reheated. I like to reserve some of the pasta water to thin the sauce when reheating, but you can add a splash of milk instead if preferred. 

INGREDIENTS IN THIS CREAMY SHELLS MACARONI AND CHEESE RECIPE:

Pasta:  Add one pound of your pasta of choice. I like buying the small shells to mimic the boxed mac and cheese but feel free to use larger shells, elbows, or any shape of your choice.

Velveeta Cheese: I know Velveeta is a polarizing choice. Some folks love it and some folks hate it. I personally think there’s a time and place for it. I don’t use it often in our kitchen but this mac and cheese recipe is one place I do love it! I also make a delicious broccoli cheese casserole that uses it. I’ll share it here on the blog soon!

Milk:  Feel free to use whatever you have on hand. I typically use 2% but you’ll be fine with whole milk or skim too.

Sour Cream: I LOVE the creaminess and slight tang sour cream adds to a dish and that’s no exception in this macaroni and cheese. 

Seasonings to Taste: I simply add salt to the water when boiling the mac and cheese. The package of the brand I use calls for 1 tablespoon so I stuck with that. I found the end result to be plenty salty enough without adding anything else. Feel free to add any other seasonings of your choosing but my kiddos like this one as is! 

HOW TO COOK SHELLS MACARONI AND CHEESE:

1. Bring salted water to a rolling boil and add shells.
2. Boil according to package instructions to your preferred doneness. I like to cook them fully but many folks prefer al dente.
3. Reserve approximately one cup of pasta water to thin sauce if needed.
4. Drain remaining water from the pasta.
5. Add Velveeta, sour cream, and milk.
6. Stir and serve.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Mac and cheese is a classic side that can go with just about anything!

Serve it with:

• St. Louis Style BBQ Ribs
• Easy Sauteed Chicken Tenderloins
• Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Southern Style Baby Potatoes and Green beans

I also love mixing veggies directly into the macaroni and cheese. My kids love it with peas or broccoli especially. Simply microwave a steamable frozen vegetable of your choice and toss it in!

STORAGE

Store in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

MORE PASTA RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

If you’re looking for another great cheesy pasta recipe, check out this simple cheesy baked ziti recipe with no meat.

OVERHEARD IN THE KITCHEN

Caroline, 4: “MAMA!!! this is the best mac and cheese ever! Can we have it every day?”

Emmie, 2: *singing & giggling* “Eat your cheese, eat your cheese!” while holding the fork up to my mouth only to take it away put it in her own mouth at the last minute.

I love cooking for my family because it facilities happy and silly moments like these. I hope the recipes on this website allow you to create your own special meals and memories with your loved ones.

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