Kamil Perry
Cooking shells and cheese in the microwave is a convenient and efficient way to make a quick meal. It is also a safer option than boiling water on the stove, especially if you have young children. The process is simple and requires fewer pots and pans, making cleanup a breeze. You can use a variety of pasta shapes, such as macaroni or shells, and add your favourite cheese sauce or shredded cheese. The cooking time may vary depending on the microwave oven, but generally, it takes around 3 to 7 minutes on high power. Elevate your dish by adding mix-ins like cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or diced tomatoes, and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Shell pasta, cheese sauce, water, butter or margarine, milk |
| Preparation | Place pasta in a microwave-safe bowl, add water, cook uncovered in the microwave for 5-7 minutes on high power, stirring every couple of minutes |
| Additional Steps | After removing from the microwave, add butter or margarine and cheese sauce, along with milk if desired, and stir to combine |
| Customization | Add mix-ins like bacon, sautéed onions, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture |
| Notes | Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave due to steam, and ensure the pasta is fully cooked before consuming |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and power
The cooking time and power level depend on the type of shells and cheese product you are using. For example, the cooking time and power level for a single-serve cup of Velveeta Shells & Cheese will differ from the cooking time and power level for a family-sized package of Velveeta Shells & Cheese.
For a single-serve cup of Velveeta Shells & Cheese, the cooking time is typically around three minutes on 100% power. After heating the cup for three minutes, you should take it out of the microwave, stir in the cheese sauce, and not drain the pasta. You should then repeat the heating process for another three minutes on 100% power.
If you are cooking a family-sized package of Velveeta Shells & Cheese, the cooking time will be longer. You should pour the shell pasta into a large microwave-safe bowl and cover it with water. Place the uncovered bowl in the microwave and cook it on 100% power for five minutes. After five minutes, take the bowl out of the microwave and check the pasta. If the pasta is not cooked to your desired level, you can continue cooking it in one-minute increments until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your microwave oven, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Additionally, when cooking shells and cheese in the microwave, it is important to stir the pasta every couple of minutes to prevent it from sticking together.
If you are cooking shells and cheese from scratch, the cooking time and power level may differ. For example, one method suggests heating water in the microwave for one minute, stirring the pasta, and then cooking the pasta uncovered in the microwave on high power for 5-7 minutes. Again, it is important to stir the pasta every 1-2 minutes to prevent it from sticking together.
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Preparing the shells
First, you will need to get a microwave-safe bowl that is large enough to accommodate the shells and water. The amount of water required will depend on the number of shells you wish to prepare. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that the shells are covered by about an inch of water.
Next, place the desired amount of shells into the bowl and cover them with water. It is important to use water that is at room temperature or tap temperature, as using hot water can cause the shells to stick together and become gluey.
Once you have added the water, place the uncovered bowl in the microwave. Depending on the power of your microwave, you will need to cook the shells for 3 to 7 minutes on high power. It is important to cook the shells in short intervals to prevent overcooking and to stir them every minute or so to ensure even cooking and prevent clumping.
After the shells have been cooking for a few minutes, you will need to check on them and determine if they need more time. The shells are ready when they are al dente, which means they should be slightly firm but not hard.
Finally, remove the bowl from the microwave and drain the water. Be careful, as the bowl and its contents will be very hot. Now you are ready to add the cheese and any other desired ingredients to make a delicious, creamy shells and cheese dish.
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Adding water
When cooking shells and cheese in the microwave, adding water is an important step. The amount of water you need will depend on the quantity of pasta you are cooking. For a single serving, you will need to fill the cup with water up to the fill line indicated inside the cup. If you are cooking a larger quantity, you will need enough water to cover the pasta completely. This is usually around 12 cups of water for a family-sized package of shells and cheese.
It is recommended to use tap-temperature water when cooking pasta in the microwave. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking together and forming a glue-like consistency. Hot water is not necessary as the microwave will heat the water sufficiently.
When adding water to the pasta, it is important to ensure that the bowl or container you are using is microwave-safe. The water level should not reach the top of the container to avoid boiling over. It is also crucial to leave the container uncovered during the cooking process.
After adding water, you will need to stir the pasta and place it in the microwave. The cooking time will vary depending on the power of your microwave and the quantity of pasta you are cooking. For a single-serve cup, three minutes at 100% power is usually sufficient. For larger quantities, you may need to cook the pasta for five to seven minutes on high power.
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Stirring and draining
When cooking shells and cheese in the microwave, it is important to stir the pasta every couple of minutes to prevent it from sticking together. This is especially important if you are cooking the pasta in a large volume of water, as the water can cause the pasta to become sticky and clump up. If you are cooking the pasta in a single-serve cup with water up to the fill line, you may not need to stir as frequently, but it is still important to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
For larger batches of pasta, it is recommended to cook the noodles in increments of one minute and stir in between to prevent clumping and burning in spots. This is because the water takes longer to reach a boil when there is a larger volume of pasta, and the pasta needs to be stirred regularly to ensure even cooking.
When stirring shells and cheese in the microwave, it is important to use microwave-safe utensils to avoid damaging your cookware or the microwave itself. It is also important to be careful when removing the container from the microwave, as the steam can easily burn your hands.
After stirring and cooking the pasta, it is important to drain any excess water. This is because the pasta absorbs the water during cooking, and if there is too much water left in the dish, it can make the pasta soggy and affect the final consistency of the dish.
Once the water is drained, you can add butter, margarine, or cheese sauce to the pasta and mix until well combined. At this stage, you can also add mix-ins like cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or diced tomatoes to elevate your shells and cheese. If you prefer a creamier consistency, you can add a bit more milk or extra cheese to achieve your desired texture.
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Adding cheese
Choosing the Cheese:
Start by selecting the type of cheese you want to use. Traditional options include cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses specifically designed for macaroni and cheese. You can use pre-shredded cheese or shred it yourself for a fresher flavour.
Preparing the Cheese:
If you are using pre-shredded cheese, simply measure out the desired amount into a bowl. If you are shredding the cheese yourself, use a box grater or a food processor for faster results. Grate the cheese into a bowl, and you can also add a small amount of flour or cornstarch to the shredded cheese and mix it to help the cheese melt smoothly and prevent clumping.
Once your shells are cooked, it's time to add the cheese. Remove the shells from the microwave, being careful as the bowl will be hot. Drain any excess water, then immediately add the cheese to the hot shells. The residual heat will help the cheese melt and coat the shells.
Mixing and Melting:
Use a spoon or spatula to gently mix the cheese into the shells until it is well combined. Return the bowl to the microwave if needed to help melt the cheese evenly. Microwave in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring after each interval, until the cheese is melted and creamy. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cheese to become tough and greasy.
Customization and Seasoning:
Taste the shells and cheese, and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more cheese if you prefer a stronger flavour or a creamier texture. A dash of milk can also be added to adjust the consistency and make it creamier. You can also experiment with adding mix-ins, such as cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or diced tomatoes, to elevate your shells and cheese.
Remember, when adding cheese to your shells and cheese in the microwave, the key is to go slowly, stir frequently, and adjust to your personal preference. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy creation!
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