Shiitake Shells and Cheese
Have you seen my Satisfying and Warming Mac and Cheese recipes in the Jan/Feb 2022 issue of Inside Northside Magazine? Creamy pasta is always a comforting cool-weather dish, and it is effortless enough for weeknight meals. Everyone needs a classic mac and cheese recipe, and it’s an added bonus to have a dressed-up mac and cheese for special occasions. It’s quite easy to whip up our Classic Mac and Cheese with staple ingredients. If you’re looking for an upgraded pasta, truffle oil and mushrooms create a luxurious version with plenty of earthy flavor in our Shiitake Shells and Cheese recipe. Both dishes include American Cheese with its easy to melt quality and nostalgic flavor. You just can’t beat the meltability factor of American cheese, and the texture works beautifully in these recipes. Whether you’re craving a classic mac and cheese or a shiitake mac, enjoy these recipes that are satisfying and warming on a cold winter night. I’d like to see which recipe you’ve made so share with me on Instagram @y_delicacies.
Shiitake Shells and Cheese
Yvette Jemison YDelicacies.com
Servings: 8-10
6 tablespoons butter, divided
3 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced
2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
8 oz. pasta shells (about 3 cups)
1 ¼ cups whole milk
1 pound white American cheese
2 tablespoons white truffle oil
1. In a medium skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter on medium heat. Add the mushrooms, thyme, salt and pepper and cook until tender, 5-8 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Leave the drippings in the skillet.
2. In a medium pot bring about 10 cups of water and a tablespoon of salt to a boil. Add the shells and return to a boil. Boil until al dente, about 15 minutes.
3. Drain but do not rinse the shells.
4. Meanwhile, in the medium skillet on medium-low heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the milk and stir until warm. Add the cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Add the drained shells and stir until all of the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Stir in the mushrooms and the truffle oil until combined.
6. Turn off the heat, cover the skillet and let it sit to thicken the sauce, about 15 minutes. Serve warm.
