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Easy Rich and Cheesy Creamy Beef Pasta Shells Skillet Recipe

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Rich and Cheesy Creamy Beef Pasta Shells Skillet is a hearty and comforting one-pan dinner loaded with tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce. Infused with Italian herbs and finished with melted cheddar and Parmesan, this easy skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 250 g medium pasta shells
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  4. Stir in chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
  5. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute.
  6. Stir in tomato paste and mix well with the beef.
  7. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  8. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  9. Toss in cooked pasta shells and mix until fully coated in the creamy sauce.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest creamy sauce.
  • Add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
  • Author: lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 560
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 690 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 31 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg