Description
Creamy garlic beef pasta brings comfort and richness to classic Italian-inspired comfort food. Savory beef mingles with smooth garlic sauce, creating a delightful meal that satisfies deep hunger while delivering bold, memorable flavors you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (454 g) diced lean beef
Pasta and Cheese:
- 8 ounces (226 g) medium pasta shells
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta by boiling in salted water until perfectly tender with a slight bite, then carefully drain and reserve.
- Create a flavor base by gently sweating diced onions in olive oil, releasing their natural sweetness and adding minced garlic for aromatic depth.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, using a wooden spoon to break down the meat into small, even crumbles while achieving a rich, golden-brown sear.
- Elevate the dish’s complexity by sprinkling paprika, salt, and freshly cracked pepper across the meat, creating a nuanced flavor profile.
- Transform the skillet’s contents by pouring in beef broth and velvety heavy cream, allowing the liquids to merge and develop a luxurious, silky texture.
- Reduce heat and let the sauce gently simmer, encouraging the liquid to concentrate and thicken, developing a luscious, coating consistency.
- Incorporate the reserved pasta directly into the skillet, ensuring each shell becomes thoroughly enrobed in the decadent, creamy sauce.
- Finish the dish by folding in sharp cheddar cheese, letting it melt seamlessly and create an indulgent, glossy coating.
- Scatter fresh parsley across the top for a bright, herbaceous garnish that adds visual appeal and a touch of freshness before serving.
Notes
- Choose medium or large shells to capture maximum sauce in their crevices for better flavor absorption.
- Opt for lean ground beef or sirloin to reduce excess fat while maintaining rich, meaty taste.
- Let sauce simmer gently to prevent cream from separating and ensure smooth, velvety texture.
- Remove skillet from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess and achieve silky smoothness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg