Creamy Beef and Shell Pasta | Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe in 30 Minutes

Instructions:

Step 1

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

As the pasta cooks, warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 4

Stir in the diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Add the garlic and cook briefly, about 30 seconds, until it becomes fragrant.

Step 6

Mix in the tomato paste and cook 1 minute to caramelize.

Step 7

Season with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and black pepper; stir to coat the meat.

Step 8

Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits; simmer 2–3 minutes.

Step 9

Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer; cook 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 10

Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

Step 11

Stir in the shredded mozzarella or cheddar until melted and creamy.

Step 12

Taste and adjust salt and pepper; thin with a splash of broth if needed.

Step 13

Take the pan off the heat and finish by topping with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Step 14

Serve hot.

1- Use freshly grated cheese for the creamiest sauce.

2- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra texture and flavor.

3- Adjust the creaminess by adding more broth or a splash of milk if the sauce gets too thick.

1- Spicy Kick: Add more crushed red pepper or a spoonful of hot sauce.

2- Cheeseburger Twist: Stir in diced pickles and a little mustard for a fun twist.

3- Chicken Version: Swap the beef for cooked chicken or turkey for a lighter meal.

1 Comment