Description
Sweet Chili Garlic Beef Shells is a bold, creamy one-pan pasta dish featuring tender pasta shells, seasoned halal ground beef, sweet chili sauce, garlic, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This quick comfort meal delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb halal lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and butter. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Season with smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and chili garlic sauce if using.
- Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth, then stir in the mozzarella until melted.
- Add the cooked pasta shells and toss until evenly coated, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Cook for 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with green onions, parsley, and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the chili garlic sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan creates the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- Add broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Medium shells hold the creamy sauce especially well.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion