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Cheesy Garlic Steak Shells with Broccoli & Peppers Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Steak Shells with Broccoli & Peppers Recipe
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Cheesy Garlic Steak Shells with Broccoli & Peppers is a quick and indulgent one-pan meal combining tender steak strips, vibrant broccoli and bell peppers, and melted mozzarella cheese tossed with perfectly cooked pasta shells. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly recipe delivers balanced flavors and comforting creaminess with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta & Cheese

  • 8 oz medium or large pasta shells
  • 1 to 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend with cheddar or Parmesan)

Protein

  • 8 oz steak strips (sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced)

Vegetables

  • 1½ cups broccoli florets (bite-sized)
  • 1 cup bell peppers (red and yellow, sliced into thin strips)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced finely)

Other

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (dried or fresh blend)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Wash and chop broccoli into bite-sized florets and slice bell peppers into thin strips. Thinly slice steak for quick cooking. Mince garlic finely so its flavor distributes evenly throughout the dish.
  2. Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells until just al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving one cup of pasta water for later use.
  3. Sauté Steak and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak strips seasoned with salt and pepper, sear until browned but still tender (3–4 minutes). Remove steak and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, then add broccoli and peppers and cook until just tender-crisp.
  4. Combine Everything: Return steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Add cooked pasta shells and toss gently. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water to help bind the ingredients together. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil to melt the cheese evenly. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted, gooey, and the dish is heated through.

Notes

  • Use tender steak cuts like sirloin or ribeye for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Slightly undercook pasta shells since they will finish cooking when combined with the cheese and sauce.
  • Freshly minced garlic provides better flavor than pre-minced garlic.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the dish and help cheese stick without drying.
  • Mix mozzarella with sharper cheeses such as cheddar or Parmesan for additional depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: steak pasta, cheesy pasta shells, garlic steak recipe, broccoli pasta, bell peppers recipe, quick weeknight meal, one-pan dinner, family-friendly dinner

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/cheesy-garlic-steak-shells-with-broccoli-peppers-recipe/