There’s nothing like a comforting bowl of Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, making it the perfect easy weeknight meal. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just craving a hearty dish, this recipe delivers big on taste with minimal effort!

What You Need to Make Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta

These simple ingredients create a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that’s easy to love!

Ingredients:

  • Ground beef – I like to use very lean beef to prevent having to drain oil. At least 85%
  • Olive oil – you can use any cooking oil here to saute the onion.
  • Yellow onion (diced) – Adds depth and sweetness.
  • Garlic cloves (minced) – fresh garlic makes everything better. 
  • Italian seasoning – grab a store bought italian seasoning to keep this recipe easy.
  • Salt and pepper to taste – taste throughout and add more salt as needed.
  • Off the Chain seasoning – my seasoning blend is a great add or use your favorite all purpose blend.
  • Tomato paste – adds a great richness.
  • Beef broth – Deepens the savory flavor.
  • Heavy cream – Creates a luscious, creamy texture.
  • Pasta shells – Perfect for holding onto the sauce. You could also use another pasta.
  • Cheddar cheese (grated) – Melts into a rich, cheesy finish. Parmesan would work too.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta

  1. Sauté the Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. 
  2. Season and Brown the Beef – Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Off the Chain seasoning. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until browned.
  3. Toast the Tomato Paste – Make a well in the center of the pan and add the tomato paste. Stir and let it cook for about a minute to deepen the flavor.
  4. Add Liquids and Simmer – Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
  5. Cook the Pasta – Add the pasta shells directly into the sauce. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
  6. Melt the Cheese – Turn off the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
  7. Serve and Enjoy! – Spoon into bowls and serve hot.

Why You Will Love This Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta

  • One-Pot Wonder: Quick preparation, easy cleanup with everything cooked in one pan.
  • Rich and Creamy: A luscious sauce coats every bite.
  • Hearty and Satisfying: Perfect comfort food for any night of the week.
  • Budget and Family Friendly: Budget friendly weeknight meal that is perfect for kids.

Tips For The Best Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta

  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting consistency.
  • Let the tomato paste cook for a minute to bring out a deeper flavor.
  • Stir frequently while cooking the pasta to prevent sticking.
  • Adjust the consistency by adding more broth or cream if needed.
  • Season to taste taste throughout for more salt if needed. 

Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta

This 30-minute Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta recipe is a simple to make, rich, cheesy, and creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 6 People

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Lean ground beef
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 Yellow onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp of Salt and pepper or to taste
  • 1 tsp Off the Chain seasoning or your favorite all purpose seasoning
  • 4 tbsp tomato paste
  • 4 cups Beef broth
  • 1 cup Heavy cream
  • 1 lb Pasta shells
  • 6 oz Cheddar cheese grated

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  • Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Off the Chain seasoning.
  • Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns.
  • Make a well in the center and add the tomato paste. Stir and cook for about a minute.
  • Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Add pasta shells and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and the sauce thickens.
  • Turn off the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!