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Cheesy Garlic Steak Shells with Broccoli & Peppers

Cheesy Garlic Steak Shells with Broccoli & Peppers
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Cheesy Garlic Steak Shells with Broccoli & Peppers is a rich, comforting, and easy-to-make meal featuring tender seared steak, sautéed garlic, crisp broccoli, and sweet bell peppers all combined with gooey melted cheese and large pasta shells. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this one-pan dish balances protein, veggies, and cheesy indulgence with minimal cleanup and customizable options.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 8 oz sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized strips

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups broccoli florets, chopped
  • 1 cup bell peppers (mix of red, yellow, or orange), sliced

Pasta & Cheese

  • 12 oz large pasta shells
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese blend (mozzarella and cheddar mix)

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the large pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Sear the Steak: Season the bite-sized steak strips with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces in a single layer (sear in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding) and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned on the outside but still juicy inside. Remove steak from skillet and set aside to rest.
  3. Sauté the Garlic and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers, cooking for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp and vibrant in color. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
  4. Combine Steak, Veggies, and Pasta: Return the seared steak pieces to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine. Gently fold in the cooked pasta shells, ensuring an even distribution of steak, veggies, and pasta for consistent flavor in every bite.
  5. Add the Cheese and Finish Cooking: Sprinkle the shredded cheese blend generously over the skillet mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until luscious and gooey, coating the shells, steak, and vegetables beautifully.

Notes

  • Rest the steak after searing to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Cook pasta al dente to ensure it maintains its shape and doesn’t get mushy after mixing.
  • Use fresh minced garlic for the best aromatic flavor.
  • Sear steak in batches if necessary to achieve a perfect crust without steaming.
  • A cheese blend of mozzarella and cheddar provides ideal meltiness and taste balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: steak pasta shells, cheesy garlic steak shells, steak broccoli peppers pasta, easy steak dinner, one-pan steak pasta, kid-friendly steak recipe

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