Go Back
+ servings
Beef and Shell Pasta

Creamy Beef and Shell Pasta for Cozy Comfort Nights

This Creamy Beef and Shell Pasta is a comforting dish that combines tender shell pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich creamy sauce, perfect for cozy dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Shell Pasta or substitute with penne or rotini
For the Protein
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based option
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or half-and-half for lighter version or coconut cream for dairy-free
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese or substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast
For the Aromatics
  • 1 Onion yellow or white
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
For Flavor Enhancements
  • 1 cup Beef Broth homemade or store-bought
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried Basil
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil or butter for richness
For Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the shell pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it browns. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes.
  5. Lower the heat and slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Add the cooked shell pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to warm everything through. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 20mg

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers while sautéing the aromatics.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!