Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta
A comforting dish that combines tender ground beef with perfectly cooked shell pasta in a rich, creamy sauce, ideal for family dinners and busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces shell pasta Cook according to package instructions.
For the Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef Use high-quality ground beef for best flavor.
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream For a creamier sauce, simmer longer.
- 1 cup shredded cheese Use cheddar or your choice of cheese.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the onions.
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped For garnish, optional.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the shell pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef browns fully, about 6-8 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook until heated through and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Mix in the cooked shell pasta and half of the cheese until everything is well combined. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Serving
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!
Notes
Adjust the seasoning to your preference; try adding red pepper flakes or lemon zest for a unique twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze them for longer storage.