MARVELOUS SHELLS 'N' CHEESE

Marvelous Shells 'n' Cheese image

Says Lauren Versweyveld of Delavan, Wisconsin: "This macaroni dish is so good! I adapted the recipe from one my mother makes, but she agrees that my version is rich and delicious. It's easy to assemble and always receives rave reviews."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

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Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) medium pasta shells
1 package (8 ounces) process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
1/3 cup 2% milk
2 cups 2% cottage cheese
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of onion soup, undiluted
3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
2/3 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine process cheese and milk; cook and stir over low heat until melted. Remove from the heat. Stir in cottage cheese and soup., Drain pasta and add to cheese sauce; stir until coated. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with Mexican cheese blend. Toss bread crumbs with butter; sprinkle over the top. , Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until heated through. Serve immediately. Freeze option: Do not prepare bread crumbs until later. Cool unbaked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Prepare bread crumbs as directed; sprinkle over top. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 839 calories, Fat 42g fat (25g saturated fat), Cholesterol 113mg cholesterol, Sodium 1636mg sodium, Carbohydrate 78g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 40g protein.