🧀🥩 Steak & Cheese Shells Pasta
A hearty, creamy, and comforting pasta dish loaded with tender steak, cheesy sauce, and perfectly cooked shells. Great for weeknight dinners but indulgent enough for guests.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Boil shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Cook the steak
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Season steak with salt and pepper.
Sear for 2–3 minutes until browned but still tender.
Remove from pan and set aside. - Make the sauce
In the same pan, melt butter.
Add onion and cook until soft (3–4 minutes).
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1 minute.
Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly until thickened. - Add cheese
Lower heat and stir in shredded cheese and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. - Combine
Add cooked pasta and steak back to the pan.
Stir gently until everything is coated in creamy sauce. - Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese if desired.
🔥 Optional Add-Ins
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Bell peppers (for a Philly-style vibe)
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor
If you’d like, I can also give you:
- A one-pot version
- A baked casserole version
- Or a high-protein / lighter version
