Description
This Cheesy Garlic Steak Shells with Broccoli & Peppers recipe is a quick and flavorful comfort food featuring tender steak strips, vibrant broccoli florets, and sweet bell peppers all coated in a rich, garlicky cheese sauce and stuffed inside large pasta shells. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines hearty textures and fresh vegetables for a balanced, family-friendly meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 8 oz skirt or flank steak strips
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup mixed red and yellow bell peppers, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Carbohydrates
- 12 large pasta shells
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheese blend (mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook the large pasta shells until al dente, approximately 10-12 minutes or following package instructions. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Sear the steak strips: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak strips with salt and pepper, then sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through but still tender. Remove from pan and let rest.
- Sauté broccoli and peppers: In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until aromatic, then add broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender yet vibrant.
- Make the cheesy garlic sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or whole milk and stir in the shredded cheese blend. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine all ingredients: Return the seared steak strips to the pan along with the sautéed vegetables. Gently toss to coat everything evenly with the cheese sauce.
- Stuff the shells and serve: Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the steak and vegetable mixture. Arrange on plates or a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use high-quality fresh steak for best flavor and tenderness.
- Do not overcook broccoli and peppers to keep a slight crunch.
- Mix mozzarella and cheddar cheese for optimal melt and flavor balance.
- Fresh garlic enhances the aroma and taste of the sauce significantly.
- Allow steak to rest after cooking to retain juices and tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: steak shells, cheesy garlic steak shells, broccoli peppers pasta, cheesy pasta shells, steak and vegetable pasta, one-pot dinner
