Creamy beef & shell pasta

Rich, cheesy, and ultra-comforting—this creamy beef & shell pasta is a quick one-pot meal the whole family will love!

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

• 250g pasta shells
• 300g ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup cream (or half & half)
• ½ cup beef broth (optional)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook pasta
   Boil shells until al dente, drain and set aside
2. Cook beef
   Heat oil, sauté onion & garlic
   Add ground beef, cook until browned
3. Add sauce
   Stir in tomato sauce, cream, broth, and seasoning
   Simmer for 5–7 minutes
4. Combine
   Add cooked pasta and mix well
5. Add cheese
   Stir until melted and creamy
6. Serve hot
   Garnish with herbs or extra cheese

🧮 Weight Watchers (WW) Points (Approx.)

🔢 Per Serving: ~8–10 Points

🍽️ Total Recipe: ~30–40 Points

💡 Make It Lighter

• Use lean beef (5%) or turkey
• Use low-fat cream or milk
• Reduce cheese slightly

👉 Can drop to ~6–8 points per serving

💡 Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook pasta—it continues cooking in sauce
• Add pasta water if sauce gets too thick
• Use freshly grated cheese for better melt

💡 Variations

• Spicy: Add chili flakes
• Garlic butter: Add butter at end
• Veggie boost: Add spinach or mushrooms
• One-pot version: Cook pasta directly in sauce

❓ FAQs

❓ Can I use different pasta?

Yes—penne, macaroni, or fusilli work well.

❓ Can I make it ahead?

Yes—store up to 3 days in fridge.

❓ Can I freeze it?

Yes, but texture may change slightly.

❓ Why is my sauce too thick?

Add a splash of milk or broth.