Ingredients:
- 1 bag (14 oz) of small shell pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cubes Knorr Caldo con Sabor de Pollo (Chicken flavor bouillon cubes)
- 6 cups of water
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste if needed)
- 1/2 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup Queso fresco, crumbled
Instructions:
- Prepare Chicken Broth:
- Start by bringing 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, dissolve the 3 chicken flavor bouillon cubes in the water to create a rich chicken broth. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Brown the Pasta Shells:
- In a medium-sized pot, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over low to medium heat. Add the dry shell pasta to the hot oil along with the garlic powder and onion powder if using. Stir the pasta occasionally, allowing it to toast to a golden brown color. This process should take about 5 to 7 minutes and will infuse the pasta with a nutty flavor.
- Cooking with Sauce and Broth:
- Once the pasta shells are browned, carefully remove the pot from heat to prevent any splashing. Stir in the tomato sauce and the prepared chicken broth, mixing well to combine. Return the pot to the stove and heat over medium-high until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Simmer the Pasta:
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the pasta simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the shells are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the Cheese:
- Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the Mexican blend shredded cheese until it is melted and evenly distributed through the pasta.
- Serve:
- Spoon the hot shells and cheese into bowls. Crumble the Queso fresco over the top of each serving for added flavor and texture.
- Enjoy:
- Serve your Mexican Shells & Cheese hot, garnished with additional herbs or spices if desired. This dish is perfect for a comforting meal and can be paired with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner.
This expanded recipe gives a bit more detail on each step to help ensure that even a novice cook can achieve delicious results. Enjoy your meal!
