Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Season the steak
Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Sear the steak
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces in a single layer and sear for about 2–3 minutes per side, depending on their size. Cook until nicely browned on the outside and cooked to your preferred doneness.
Transfer the steak to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Build the flavor
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn.
Step 5: Make the creamy sauce
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes, until it begins to thicken.
Step 6: Add the cheese
Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella. Continue stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Step 7: Add the pasta and steak
Return the cooked pasta shells and seared steak to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the shells are coated in the creamy garlic sauce and the steak is evenly distributed.
Simmer for another 1–2 minutes to bring everything together.
Step 8: Garnish and serve
Remove from the heat and sprinkle generously with fresh parsley. Add a little extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper if desired.
Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and the cheese is still beautifully melted.
This hearty pasta dinner is perfect for a cozy family meal, date night, or whenever you’re craving a restaurant-style comfort food recipe at home. The pasta shells catch all that creamy garlic sauce, while the seared steak adds rich, savory flavor to every bite.
Make this once and you’ll understand why my sister-in-law’s pan never lasts long! 🥩🍝🧀
See more on the next page
