Shell Gratin Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound of pasta shells
• 3 tablespoons of butter
• 1/4 cup of flour
• 3 cups of milk
• 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to the package instructions, and drain them.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
4. Whisk in flour, stirring constantly until it begins to turn golden.
5. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. This takes about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper, and stir to melt the cheese.
7. Add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce and toss to coat.
8. Pour contents into a baking dish and bake until bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.

Verdict and Serving Suggestion

This shell gratin is a crowd-pleaser that is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. You can also add in some cooked seafood or pancetta for extra protein. Serve it fresh from the oven with a green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal!