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Arby's-Inspired White Cheddar Shells
Melissa Hart

Arby's-Inspired White Cheddar Shells

Medium shells and a bright white cheddar sauce distinguish this Arby's-inspired mac from elbow-based orange versions. Cream cheese adds body and a faint tang without requiring a baked top. White pepper keeps dark flecks out of the pale sauce, which should remain fluid enough to pool inside each shell.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz medium pasta shells
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese cubed
  • 12 oz sharp white cheddar freshly shredded
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper

Method
 

  1. Boil the shells until just tender, reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
  2. Melt butter over medium-low heat, whisk in flour for 1 minute and gradually whisk in milk and cream.
  3. Simmer gently for 3 minutes, then remove from heat and melt in cream cheese.
  4. Add white cheddar a handful at a time and season with salt and white pepper.
  5. Fold in shells and loosen with reserved pasta water until glossy and spoonable.