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The Best Cheesy Shell Pasta with Juicy Steak Tips Recipe


  • Author: michelle cooking
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This hearty one-skillet dish brings together juicy seared steak tips and tender shell pasta, all coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners — easy to make, satisfying to eat, and sure to please the whole table.


Ingredients

• 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flap), cut into bite-sized tips
• 8 oz medium shell pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish


Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Pat steak dry and season with salt and pepper.

  • Sear steak tips in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

  • Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

  • Pour in beef broth and milk. Stir well and scrape up browned bits from the pan.

  • Stir in shell pasta and bring to a boil.

  • Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.

  • Turn off heat. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until smooth and melted.

  • Return cooked steak tips to the skillet and toss to coat in the cheese sauce.

  • Garnish with parsley or chives and serve hot.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce. To add heat, mix in red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes