Creamy Beef and Shell Pasta | Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe in 30 Minutes
When it comes to quick, cozy dinners that please the whole family, Creamy Beef and Shell Pasta never disappoints. This easy one-pan recipe combines tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce for the perfect balance of flavor and comfort. Every bite is creamy, hearty, and full of that homemade goodness everyone craves after a long day.
What makes this dish so special is how simple it is to prepare. You’ll only need basic pantry staples—pasta, beef, cheese, and cream—to create a restaurant-quality meal in less than 30 minutes. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Because it’s made in one skillet, cleanup is fast and stress-free, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy dinner. This recipe is also endlessly versatile: you can add vegetables, adjust the spices, or swap the cheese to suit your taste.
Whether you’re cooking for family, feeding a crowd, or just want a warm bowl of creamy comfort, this Beef and Shell Pasta will quickly become a staple in your home. Serve it with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
1 lb (450 g) medium pasta shells.
1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage.
1 tbsp olive oil.
1 small onion, diced.
3 cloves garlic, minced.
1 tsp smoked paprika.
1 tsp Italian seasoning.
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional).
Salt and black pepper, to taste.
2 tbsp tomato paste.
1 cup beef broth.
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half).
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese.
¼ cup grated Parmesan.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish).
Instructions:
Step 1
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.
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