Introduction:
This Garlic Herb Seared Beef with Shell Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that combines tender, flavorful seared beef with perfectly cooked pasta shells tossed in a buttery garlic-herb sauce. It’s ideal for family dinners, date nights, or any time you crave a hearty, restaurant-style meal right at home. The combination of juicy beef, aromatic herbs, and creamy pasta makes this dish truly irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of thyme, oregano, and basil)
1 tbsp butter
For the Pasta:
8 oz (225g) medium pasta shells
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
Fresh basil leaves
Extra Parmesan cheese
Red chili flakes (for a mild kick)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
Sear the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned but still tender.
Add butter and minced garlic, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter.
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a bit of the reserved pasta water.
Simmer until slightly thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta shells into the skillet with the sauce.
Toss to coat evenly.
Return the seared beef to the pan and stir gently to combine.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve and Enjoy:
Plate the pasta and beef mixture.
Garnish with fresh herbs and a light drizzle of olive oil.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Description:
This dish beautifully balances flavors — the seared beef adds deep, savory richness, while the buttery garlic sauce gives it a creamy, luxurious texture. The herbs brighten it up, and the shell pasta catches every drop of sauce, making each bite satisfying and flavorful. It’s an elegant meal made easy for home cooks.
Tips
Beef choice: Use tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin for best results.
Don’t overcook the beef: A quick sear keeps it juicy and tender.
Pasta water magic: The starchy water helps thicken and bind the sauce.
Add veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes work beautifully in this dish.
Make it creamy: For extra creaminess, stir in 1 tbsp of cream cheese.
Variations:
Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil.
Cheesy twist: Mix in shredded mozzarella or provolone for a stretchy texture.
Low-carb: Substitute shell pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Lemon herb: Add lemon zest and juice for a bright, zesty finish.
Mushroom beef pasta: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor boost.
Correction:
If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water.
If it’s too thin, simmer for another minute or add more Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy
Serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad. Take a bite of the tender beef, creamy pasta, and fragrant herbs — and enjoy a comforting, homemade restaurant-quality meal!
