Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Steak Shells with Bell Peppers and Parmesan Cream is a delightful dish perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. The combination of tender steak, fresh bell peppers, and a rich, creamy sauce makes this recipe a real crowd-pleaser. It’s not only hearty and filling but also simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced cooks. Plus, the creamy Parmesan sauce creates a comforting and indulgent flavor that pairs perfectly with pasta.
How to Make Creamy Steak Shells with Bell Peppers and Parmesan Cream
Ingredients
- 20 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 1/4 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Optional: parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, cracked black pepper
Directions
- Boil pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak bites for 3–5 minutes until browned and juicy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add sliced bell peppers and cook for 4–5 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Pour in heavy cream and milk, then stir in onion powder. Let simmer gently for 3–4 minutes before adding parmesan cheese. Stir until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add cooked pasta shells and steak bites back into the skillet. Toss gently until fully coated in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
- Top with parsley, cracked black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for a little extra flavor and warmth. Serve hot and creamy.
How to Serve Creamy Steak Shells with Bell Peppers and Parmesan Cream
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor. It pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Creamy Steak Shells with Bell Peppers and Parmesan Cream
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
Tips to Make Creamy Steak Shells with Bell Peppers and Parmesan Cream
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Feel free to add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or spinach, for added nutrition.
- Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes.
Variation
You can substitute the sirloin steak with chicken or shrimp for a different flavor. Additionally, swapping the bell peppers for other vegetables like zucchini or broccoli can create a unique twist on this dish.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute medium pasta shells with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be made ahead of time for easy meals throughout the week.
Can I make it dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cream alternative and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese.
Creamy Steak Shells with Bell Peppers and Parmesan Cream
Ingredients
Pasta
- 20 oz medium pasta shells
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 1/4 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Optional Garnishes
- parsley for garnish
- crushed red pepper flakes for garnish
- cracked black pepper for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak bites for 3–5 minutes until browned and juicy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add sliced bell peppers and cook for 4–5 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Pour in heavy cream and milk, then stir in onion powder. Let simmer gently for 3–4 minutes before adding parmesan cheese. Stir until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add cooked pasta shells and steak bites back into the skillet. Toss gently until fully coated in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
Serving
- Top with parsley, cracked black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for a little extra flavor and warmth. Serve hot and creamy.