Caracoquesos Pasta Shells With Cheese Sauce

Versión en español

The Caracoquesos (Pasta Shells With Cheese Sauce) is the Chilean version of the American Mac &  Cheese. I remember they began selling in the 80s in Chile and came boxed and ready to prepare at home. Living here in the US, my children have the gene for Mac & Cheese, and they love it, so I decided to make a homemade version with the cheddar cheese I had left over from a party.

The recipe is simple and based on a white sauce to which you add the cheese.

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Caracoquesos Pasta Shells With Cheese Sauce

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A kid-friendly recipe in Chile.

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box of noodles shells (340 grams)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups of milk
• 200 grams of cheddar or gouda, grated or cubed
• salt, pepper, oil

Instructions

1. In a large pot, put a lot of water and add salt and a little oil. Heat over high heat, and once it is boiling, add the noodles, stir and cook following the package instructions. Stir occasionally.
2. Once cooked, drain and leave in the pot.
   
3. In another small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, add the flour and stir until it forms a dough. Stir in the milk gradually and always whisking to form a sauce without lumps.
   
4. Increase the heat to medium-high and continue stirring until it boils. Add the chopped or grated cheese and stir until the cheese melts and forms a sauce.
   
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Pour over cooked noodles and stir everything.
   
7. Reheat if necessary, adding a little milk or cream.
   

• Author: Pilar Hernandez
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Stove
• Cuisine: Chilean

Keywords: Caracoquesos