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One pot creamy beef and shells

One pot creamy beef and shells

A rich and comforting one pot pasta made with tender shell pasta, savory ground beef, tomatoes, cream, and parmesan for an easy weeknight dinner that feels extra cozy.

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

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 8 ounces medium pasta shells
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Add the ground beef, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned and fully cooked.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine.
  6. Add the pasta shells and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir so the pasta is mostly submerged.
  7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium low. Cover loosely and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the shells are tender and the sauce has thickened.
  8. Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
  9. Let the pasta rest for 2 minutes, then top with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • Stir the pasta regularly so the shells cook evenly and do not stick to the bottom.
  • If the sauce thickens too much before the pasta is tender, add a splash of extra broth.
  • Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Leftovers reheat well with a small splash of broth or cream.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One Pot Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 640
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: one pot creamy beef and shells, creamy beef pasta, shell pasta dinner, one pot pasta, ground beef pasta