Imagine a bowl of perfectly cooked pasta shells enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce with savory beef. This creamy beef shell pasta is not just a meal; it’s a comforting masterpiece perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe will elevate your cooking game.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounces pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Equipments
- Large skillet
- Pot for cooking pasta
- Colander
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Creamy Beef Shell Pasta – Step By Step
Step 1: Brown the Beef.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the ground beef. Cook the beef until it is browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This process should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic.
Add diced onions and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Stir frequently, allowing the onions to become translucent and the garlic fragrant, roughly 3 to 4 minutes. Ensuring the onions are cooked properly will add depth to your sauce.
Step 3: Add Liquids.
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream into your skillet. Stir everything together, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This not only deglazes the pan but brings a rich, robust flavor to the sauce.
Step 4: Incorporate Cheese.
Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese into your cream sauce. Stir consistently, letting the cheese melt with the heat, creating a velvety texture. This step is crucial for achieving that creamy consistency we love.
Step 5: Season and Simmer.
Add salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta.
Meanwhile, in a separate pot, boil salted water and add the pasta shells. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Strain the cooked pasta using a colander.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with your creamy beef sauce. Gently fold the pasta through the sauce to ensure every shell is coated with that sumptuous sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Beef Shell Pasta
Once combined, serve your creamy beef shell pasta hot, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For best results, use high-quality Parmesan cheese as it melts smoother and provides better flavor. Making sure your pasta is perfectly al dente will give the dish a delightful texture. Don’t rush the simmering time; allowing the sauce to reduce slightly will enhance the richness.
Power Up Your Pasta with High Protein Choices
To boost the protein content in this dish, consider substituting half the pasta shells with lentil or chickpea pasta. These options not only increase the protein intake but also add different textures to your dish!
Another high protein addition could be the inclusion of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese into the sauce. Mix it in during the cheese step to maintain the creamy texture without compromising on protein content.
Go Low-Carb with an Innovative Twist!
If you’re looking to reduce carbs, switch the pasta shells for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles that still provide the satisfying feeling of traditional pasta.
Another option is to reduce the amount of pasta used and supplement it with more vegetables like spinach or kale, blending nutrition seamlessly without sacrificing taste.
Storage Instructions
This creamy beef shell pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to rehydrate the sauce if needed.
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the sauce ahead and store it separately from the pasta, helping to keep the pasta from becoming soggy.
- Can I freeze creamy beef shell pasta? While freezing is possible, note that creamy sauces can sometimes separate. If freezing, thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.
- What can I use instead of heavy cream? Half-and-half or whole milk can be used, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
- Can I add vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! Vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can enhance both nutrition and flavor.
- How do I prevent the cheese from clumping? Make sure to add cheese off the heat and incorporate gradually while stirring to ensure even distribution without clumps.
Wrapping Up: Your Creamy Beef Shell Pasta Experience
This creamy beef shell pasta is sure to become a beloved contender in your meal rotation. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or tweak it to meet dietary needs, it champions flavor and ease. Be sure to share this recipe with friends, drop a comment below, and let us know how it turned out!
Creamy Beef Shell Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- pasta shells
- olive oil
- onion
- garlic
- heavy cream
- beef broth
- Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper
- parsley
Instructions
Steps
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking into small pieces, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir frequently until onions are translucent, around 3 to 4 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, scraping up any brown bits from the pan.
- Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts smoothly into the cream sauce.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- In a separate pot, boil water and cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain pasta.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Fold gently to coat the pasta with the sauce.