A rich and delicious comfort-food recipe featuring tender, seasoned beef, pasta shells, garlic butter, creamy Parmesan sauce and melted mozzarella. Perfect for lunch or dinner.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American-inspired
Cooking Method: Stovetop
Ingredients
For the pasta and beef
300 g medium pasta shells
400 g beef steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
For the creamy cheese sauce
1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
½ cup whole milk (120 ml)
¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup reserved pasta water, as needed
For garnish
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup extra mozzarella cheese
A pinch of chili flakes
Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Drain pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Season and cook the beef
Pat beef pieces dry using paper towels.
Season with paprika, black pepper, salt and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add beef in a single layer.
Sear for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, adjusting for thickness.
Once browned and cooked to a safe temperature, remove beef from the skillet and set aside.
For whole beef steaks, cook to at least 63°C (145°F) and allow a 3-minute rest.
Step 3: Prepare the garlic butter
Reduce skillet heat to medium.
Add butter to the same skillet.
Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds.
Add chili flakes and garlic powder.
Stir gently until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the creamy cheese sauce
Pour heavy cream into the skillet.
Add whole milk and stir.
Reduce heat to medium-low.
Add Parmesan cheese gradually.
Add mozzarella and stir until melted.
Allow sauce to thicken gently.
Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce becomes too thick.
Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously to prevent separation.
Step 5: Combine everything
Return cooked beef to the skillet.
Add drained pasta shells.
Toss gently until pasta and beef are completely coated.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Taste and adjust salt, pepper and seasoning.
Step 6: Add the cheesy topping
Sprinkle extra mozzarella over the pasta.
Cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes until cheese melts.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Finish with cracked black pepper and chili flakes.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Nutritional Information
Estimated values per serving, based on four servings.
Nutrient
Amount
Calories
750–850 kcal
Protein
38–45 g
Carbohydrates
60–70 g
Total Fat
35–45 g
Saturated Fat
17–22 g
Fiber
3–4 g
Sugar
4–6 g
Sodium
650–950 mg
Nutritional values vary depending on the beef cut, cheese, cream and pasta brands.
Nut Information & Allergens
Does this recipe contain nuts?
No. The standard recipe does not require peanuts or tree nuts.
Nut type
Included?
Almonds
No
Cashews
No
Walnuts
No
Peanuts
No
Pistachios
No
Hazelnuts
No
Pecans
No
Macadamia nuts
No
Allergy precautions:
Check packaged ingredients for possible nut cross-contamination.
Use clean utensils and cookware when preparing food for someone with a nut allergy.
Avoid adding pesto or nut-based toppings unless their ingredients are verified.
Other allergens:
Milk and dairy from butter, cream and cheese.
Wheat and gluten from regular pasta.
For gluten-free preparation, use certified gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free preparation, use suitable dairy-free cream, cheese and butter alternatives.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
Brown the beef properly to develop a rich, savory flavor.
Use freshly minced garlic for the best aroma.
Grate cheese fresh for a smoother sauce.
Add pasta water gradually to achieve the perfect consistency.
Keep the sauce on low heat when adding cheese.
Avoid overcooking pasta shells.
Finish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Storage and Reheating
Storage
Recommended time
Refrigerator
3–4 days
Freezer
Up to 2 months for best quality
Room temperature
Maximum 2 hours
Reheating:
Stovetop: Add 2–3 tablespoons of milk and heat gently.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals.
Avoid overheating to prevent the cream sauce from separating.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1. Can I use ground beef instead of steak?
Yes! Use 400 g ground beef. Brown it thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Q2. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes. Chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs work well. Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
Q3. Which pasta works best?
Medium pasta shells are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce. Penne, fusilli, rigatoni and rotini are also excellent alternatives.
Q4. Why is my cheese sauce grainy?
The sauce may have become too hot, or the cheese was added too quickly. Reduce the heat and gradually stir in freshly grated cheese.
Q5. Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
Yes. You can substitute evaporated milk or use whole milk thickened with a little cornstarch. The texture will be slightly different.
Q6. How can I make the pasta spicier?
Add extra chili flakes, cayenne pepper or a little hot sauce.
Q7. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the beef and prepare the sauce separately. Refrigerate promptly and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Q8. Which cheese combination tastes best?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are an excellent combination. Mozzarella gives a stretchy, creamy texture, while Parmesan adds a rich savory flavor.
Q9. Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes. Reduce the black pepper and omit chili flakes for a mild, family-friendly version.
Q10. Can I bake this pasta?
Yes. Transfer the prepared pasta into an oven-safe dish, top with mozzarella and bake at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy beef pasta with:
Garlic bread.
Fresh cucumber and tomato salad.
Roasted vegetables.
Steamed broccoli.
Fresh lemonade or iced tea.