This easy cheesy Velveeta and shells recipe is perfect for tired parents! It's a one pot pasta with a silky cheese sauce that even the pickiest eaters will devour.
Add the water, cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and mustard powder to a Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium-high heat and whisk until the spices have dissolved. Once it starts boiling, add in the pasta.
Reduce the heat so it's not furiously boiling (a rapid simmer is ideal). I cook mine over medium heat. Let it cook uncovered until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed (about 8 minutes). Stir it every minute or so.
Turn the burner off (leave the pot on the burner), and stir in the Velveeta and cheddar, then take the pot off the heat once it's melted in. Season with salt & pepper as needed and serve immediately.
Notes
Grate your own cheddar (vs. the pre-grated kind in bags) so it melts better.
As with any one pot meal, ingredients and stoves vary. If you're running out of liquid (like it's coming close to sticking and burning) when you still have a while to go before the pasta is done, add in more water, 1/2 cup or so at a time.