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Creamy Beef Pasta Shells Made Easy in One Pot

Creamy Beef Pasta Shells

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Creamy Beef Pasta Shells is a delicious and hearty one-pot meal made with tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting dish is packed with Italian-inspired flavors and comes together in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz medium pasta shells
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for a kick

Instructions

  1. Boil pasta shells until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef with diced onion over medium heat until browned and crumbly. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Stir in Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and diced tomatoes. Cook for 2–3 minutes, then add beef broth and bring to a simmer.
  4. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheddar for best melting results.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using low-sodium broth.
  • Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat—adjust based on preference.
  • This dish can be made ahead and reheated for meal prep.

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