Description
Cheesy Garlic Steak Shells with Broccoli & Peppers is a rich, hearty, and flavorful one-pot meal combining tender steak slices, vibrant broccoli, sweet bell peppers, and a creamy garlic cheese sauce, all tossed with pasta shells. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and comforting carbs, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Vegetables
- 8 oz sirloin or ribeye steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz medium-sized pasta shells
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese blend (mozzarella and parmesan)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Chop broccoli into bite-sized florets and slice bell peppers into strips. Mince fresh garlic to maximize flavor release during cooking.
- Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for the sauce if needed.
- Sauté Steak and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak slices and cook just until browned but still tender, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add broccoli and bell peppers and sauté until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic during the last minute to prevent burning.
- Make the Cheesy Garlic Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in cream cheese into the skillet, melting it gently with a splash of reserved pasta water to form a smooth sauce. Add shredded cheese gradually and stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked steak to the skillet along with drained pasta shells. Toss everything together so that the cheesy garlic sauce coats the pasta, steak, and veggies evenly. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve Warm: Dish out hot from the pan, ready to be garnished or served as is for a comforting, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Choose higher-quality steak cuts like sirloin or ribeye for juicier texture and richer flavor.
- Do not overcook pasta; al dente pasta provides the perfect chew and avoids mushiness.
- Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor impact.
- Reserve a cup of pasta water to thin the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
- Sauté vegetables separately to keep their crunch before mixing into the creamy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: steak, garlic, cheese sauce, broccoli, bell peppers, pasta shells, quick dinner, one-pot meal, creamy, family-friendly
