Creamy Beef & Shells Pasta Recipe — Easy One‑Pan Dinner - TastyFYI

A quick and creamy beef & shells pasta recipe with seared sirloin, garlic‑Parmesan cream sauce, and gooey mozzarella. Perfect weeknight dinner in under 30 minutes.

Prep: 10 mins • Cook: 20 mins • Serves: 4

If you’re craving a hearty, creamy pasta that comes together quickly, this Creamy Beef & Shells Pasta delivers — tender seared beef bites, garlic‑Parmesan cream sauce, and gooey mozzarella make it a family favorite. It’s ideal for busy weeknights and performs well for leftovers and meal prep.

📝 Ingredients

For the Beef

• 1 lb (450g) Sirloin Steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

For the Pasta & Sauce

• 12 oz (340g) Medium Shell Pasta (Conchiglie)
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Beef Broth
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

For Topping

• 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil shell pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Sear the Beef: Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil over medium‑high heat and sear beef 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Start the Sauce: In the same skillet melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Build the Cream Sauce: Deglaze with beef broth, scraping brown bits. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Combine: Return pasta and beef to the skillet. Toss to coat; add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
6. Get Cheesy: Sprinkle mozzarella, cover for 1–2 minutes until melted and gooey.
7. Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.

💡 Tips for Success

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and meltability.
• Don’t overcook the beef — aim for just-browned exterior and tender interior.
• Adjust the creaminess by adding reserved pasta water a little at a time.
• Make it lighter: swap half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Pairs nicely with a medium-bodied red wine or a sparkling water with lemon.

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