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One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells

A hearty and creamy pasta dish that's easy to make for busy weeknights, combining beef, pasta, and a delicious sauce all in one pot.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 12 ounces pasta shells Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or milk for a healthier option.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
Optional Ingredients
  • 1 cup spinach Optional, for added nutrition.
  • 1 cup mushrooms Optional, can enhance the flavor.

Method
 

Cooking
  1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the marinara sauce and pasta shells to the pot.
  3. Pour in enough water to cover the pasta, then bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until pasta is cooked, about 10-12 minutes.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and optional spinach or mushrooms, cooking until heated through.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve.

Notes

Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese for added flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, reheating gently.