Creamy Beef and Shell Pasta
Rich, creamy, and incredibly comforting, this easy beef and pasta dish is perfect for a quick family dinner. Tender pasta shells are mixed with seasoned ground beef and coated in a smooth, cheesy cream sauce that makes every bite delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shell pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Cook the beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed. - Add seasoning
Stir in the minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant. - Prepare the creamy sauce
In a bowl, mix together the heavy cream, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. - Combine everything
Add the cooked pasta to the pot with the beef. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the pasta and beef mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. - Simmer
Cook on low heat for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes thick and creamy. - Serve
Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Tip: You can also add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.