Creamy Beef and Shells in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Get ready to indulge in a rich and flavorful dish that will become a family favorite! This Creamy Beef and Shells in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food that will leave you wanting more with every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in the beef broth and pasta shells. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cover. Cook for about 10 minutes or until pasta is tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked ground beef back to the skillet and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Popular questions:
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
- Is it okay to use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
- Can I add vegetables to this dish?
- How long will leftovers last?
Yes, you can substitute the medium pasta shells with any other pasta shape of your choice, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to beef in this recipe.
Using half-and-half will result in a lighter sauce, but it can be used as a substitute for heavy cream if desired.
Feel free to add diced carrots, bell peppers, or peas to incorporate more veggies into this dish.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Helpful tips:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Top the dish with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Try using Italian seasoning or dried herbs for extra flavor.
- Add a splash of white wine for a more complex sauce.
Expert Secrets:
- Cook the pasta shells al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy in the sauce.
- Let the sauce simmer and thicken to fully develop the flavors.
- Adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese to suit your taste preferences.
- For a creamier sauce, you can add more heavy cream or Parmesan cheese.