Cheesy Ranch Shells - My Fav Homemade Mac & Cheese - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cups pasta shells
1/4 cup chopped onion
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
2 cups milk
1/4 cup ranch salad dressing
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Preparation

In a large pot of boiling water, cook the shells to desired doneness; drain, transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, saute the onion in the butter for about 5 minutes, or until tender.
Stir in the flour, salt, pepper and mustard powder.
Gradually add the milk and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat.
Add the ranch dressing and 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese; stir until the cheese melts.
Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked shells.
Place in a greased 1 1/2 quart casserole and top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and cheese begins to turn golden brown.