How do you make creamy shells and beef from scratch?

Making a Creamy Shells and Beef dinner from scratch starts with building a flavorful base. First, sauté diced onions in olive oil until they’re soft and fragrant, then brown the ground beef until it develops a rich, savory flavor. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs for depth. Instead of boiling the pasta separately, stir uncooked shells directly into the pan along with marinara sauce and water or beef broth. As the pasta cooks, it absorbs the seasoned sauce, becoming tender and flavorful. The final step is adding heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to create the velvety texture that makes this dish so irresistible. By cooking everything in one pot, you save time and get maximum flavor in every bite of your Creamy Shells and Beef dinner .

What side dishes pair well with creamy shells and beef?

The Creamy Shells and Beef dinner is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can enhance the overall meal. Garlic bread is a classic choice, ideal for soaking up extra sauce. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette adds brightness that balances the creaminess of the pasta. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers bring both texture and color to the plate. If you want to keep the meal hearty, a side of sautéed spinach or a Caprese salad can add variety without overwhelming the main dish. Each pairing creates a satisfying, well-rounded dinner that complements the rich flavors of the creamy pasta and beef.

How do you store and reheat creamy shells and beef leftovers?

To keep your Creamy Shells and Beef dinner tasting fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to three months—just be sure to cool the pasta completely before freezing to maintain its texture. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess and prevent it from drying out. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. This approach keeps the pasta tender and the sauce smooth, so your leftovers are almost as good as the first serving.

Creamy Shells and Beef Dinner – The Best One-Pot Pasta Recipe in 30 Minutes

Name: Creamy Shells and Beef Dinner
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean preferred); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups water or beef broth; 2 cups medium pasta shells, uncooked; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Description

This Creamy Shells and Beef dinner is a rich and satisfying one-pot pasta recipe featuring tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and a velvety tomato cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting dish comes together in just 30 minutes for a hearty meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean preferred)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups water or beef broth
2 cups medium pasta shells, uncooked
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Add Pasta and Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, water (or broth), and uncooked pasta shells. Mix well to combine.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Make It Creamy: Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce is smooth and creamy.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and ground turkey instead of beef. Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian American