Looking for a comforting, flavorful dinner that feels both indulgent and simple? Creamy Steak Shells with Cherry Tomatoes & Herbs is the perfect dish for cozy weeknights or a special dinner at home. Imagine tender bites of juicy steak paired with sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a rich, velvety cream sauce. This dish brings together the comforting textures of pasta shells with the elegance of a restaurant-quality skillet meal, making it perfect for family dinners, date nights, or even a casual dinner party.
The inspiration for this recipe comes from classic Italian-American steakhouse dishes. While many of us have enjoyed a creamy steak pasta at a restaurant, recreating it at home with fresh ingredients brings an extra level of satisfaction. Using cherry tomatoes adds a natural sweetness that balances the richness of the cream, while fresh and dried herbs elevate the flavors to a fragrant, gourmet experience. This dish is not only visually appealing but also bursting with layers of flavor that will impress anyone at your table.
Ingredients
-
12 oz medium pasta shells
-
1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
½ cup beef broth
-
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
½ tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh chopped basil)
-
½ tsp dried thyme
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
2 tbsp butter
-
Optional garnish: chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. Keeping the pasta slightly undercooked ensures it absorbs the sauce perfectly in the final step.
2. Sear the Steak
Season your steak bites with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the steak bites in a single layer. Sear them for 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Garlic and Tomatoes
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3–4 minutes, just until they begin to soften and release their juices. This step enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and infuses the dish with flavor.
4. Prepare the Creamy Herb Sauce
Pour the heavy cream and beef broth into the skillet with the garlic and tomatoes, stirring to combine. Add the Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried thyme, and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3–4 minutes until it slightly thickens and becomes luxuriously creamy. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. The creamy herb sauce is the heart of this dish, bringing all the flavors together in a luscious coating for the pasta and steak.
5. Combine Steak and Pasta
Return the cooked steak and pasta shells to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that each pasta shell and piece of steak is coated evenly in the creamy herb sauce. Be careful not to over-stir, as you want the steak to remain tender and the pasta to keep its shape.
6. Garnish and Serve
For the final touch, sprinkle chopped parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes over the top if you like a hint of heat. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. The combination of creamy sauce, tender steak, and sweet tomatoes is a crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
-
Prep Time: 15 minutes
-
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
-
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
-
Yield: 4 servings
Tips for the Best Creamy Steak Shells
-
Choose the Right Steak: Sirloin and ribeye work best for this dish due to their tenderness and flavor. Ribeye offers more marbling for extra juiciness, while sirloin is leaner but still flavorful.
-
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercooked pasta absorbs the sauce better, giving you a creamier, more cohesive dish.
-
Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: Fresh basil or parsley adds a bright, fragrant finish. Dried herbs work too but are less vibrant.
-
Customize the Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes are classic, but you can also add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
-
Make it Ahead: The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before adding the cooked pasta and steak.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe strikes a perfect balance between richness and freshness. The creamy sauce provides indulgence, while the cherry tomatoes add a natural sweetness and pop of color. The steak brings protein and heartiness, making this a complete, satisfying meal. It’s also highly versatile—swap pasta shells for penne or bowtie, or add your favorite vegetables for a personalized twist.
The simplicity of the recipe makes it approachable for both beginner and experienced cooks. Each step is straightforward, yet the result is elegant enough for a special occasion. With minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques, you achieve a dish that tastes like it came from a high-end steakhouse.
Variations and Serving Ideas
-
Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic before adding the cream for an earthy, savory twist.
-
Spinach or Kale: Stir in fresh spinach or kale at the end for a nutrient boost and vibrant color.
-
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Substitute half of the fresh cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, concentrated flavor.
-
Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Add mozzarella or Fontina cheese for an extra gooey, cheesy texture.
-
Spicy Kick: Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
Pairing Suggestions
-
Salads: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the creamy pasta perfectly.
-
Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread or a fresh baguette to soak up the sauce.
-
Beverages: Pair with sparkling water, iced tea, or a light fruit punch for a family-friendly option.
Storage and Reheating
-
Storage: Store leftover pasta and steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.
-
Freezing: While the pasta can be frozen, the texture of cream-based sauces may change slightly. For best results, store the sauce separately from the pasta and steak if planning to freeze.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Creamy Steak Shells with Cherry Tomatoes & Herbs is a perfect balance of comfort food and elegance. The creamy sauce envelopes tender pasta shells and juicy steak, while the cherry tomatoes and herbs add freshness and depth. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet special enough for entertaining guests. The layers of flavor, ease of preparation, and versatility make it a go-to recipe for busy families, couples, and home cooks who want something both impressive and approachable.
Not only does this dish taste amazing, but it’s also visually stunning. The vibrant red of the tomatoes, the golden-brown steak bites, and the creamy sauce make every plate look like a restaurant-quality creation. Garnished with parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While medium pasta shells are perfect for capturing the creamy sauce and tender steak, you can easily substitute other pasta shapes based on your preference or what you have on hand. Penne and rigatoni are excellent alternatives because their tubular shapes hold the sauce well, giving you a burst of flavor in every bite. Farfalle, or bowtie pasta, works beautifully too, offering a fun, elegant shape that’s perfect for dinner parties. If you prefer long pasta, fettuccine or linguine are great options—the key is to cook them al dente so they don’t become mushy when combined with the sauce. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the pasta type, so always check the package instructions and taste-test before draining. This flexibility makes the dish adaptable to what’s in your pantry, ensuring you can enjoy it any night of the week without needing a special trip to the store.
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes! Boneless chicken breast or thighs are excellent substitutes for steak and make the dish a lighter option while still keeping it hearty and satisfying. Chicken thighs are slightly more flavorful and tender, while chicken breasts offer a leaner alternative. For best results, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, season well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and sear until golden brown and fully cooked before adding it to the creamy sauce. Cooking the chicken separately first ensures that it stays juicy and doesn’t overcook when combined with the pasta and sauce. You’ll still get the same rich, creamy flavor, and it’s a fantastic way to cater to guests or family members who may prefer poultry over beef.
How do I make this dish lighter?
If you want a lighter version, there are a few simple swaps you can make without sacrificing flavor. Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, which reduces the richness and calories while keeping the sauce creamy. You can also slightly reduce the butter or use a light olive oil to sauté the garlic and tomatoes. Another option is to add more vegetables, like spinach or zucchini, to bulk up the dish and provide extra nutrients, making it feel lighter on the plate. Even with these adjustments, the pasta, steak (or chicken), and tomato combination will still create a comforting, satisfying meal that doesn’t feel heavy.
Can I prep this in advance?
Yes! This recipe is very friendly for meal prep or make-ahead cooking. You can chop the vegetables, halve the cherry tomatoes, and cut the steak or chicken into pieces in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce can also be prepared a few hours before cooking and stored separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta, warm the sauce gently on the stove, and toss everything together. This approach not only saves time on busy weeknights but also ensures that the flavors have a chance to meld, resulting in an even more delicious dish.
Creamy Steak Shells with Cherry Tomatoes & Herbs
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This comforting skillet dish brings together tender steak bites, sweet cherry tomatoes, and pasta shells in a rich, creamy herb sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion at home, it’s easy to make yet feels indulgent, with fresh herbs and Parmesan elevating every bite. Inspired by classic steakhouse flavors, this recipe is a family-friendly favorite that balances richness with freshness.
Ingredients
-
12 oz medium pasta shells
-
1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
½ cup beef broth
-
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
½ tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh chopped basil)
-
½ tsp dried thyme
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
2 tbsp butter
-
Optional garnish: chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan
Instructions
-
Cook the pasta: Boil pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Sear the steak: Season steak bites with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak and sear for 3–5 minutes until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove from skillet and set aside.
-
Cook garlic and tomatoes: Reduce heat to medium, melt butter in the skillet. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
-
Make the creamy herb sauce: Pour in heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine. Add Parmesan, basil, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Combine everything: Return steak and cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
-
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
-
For best results, use tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye for the steak.
-
Slightly undercook pasta to allow it to absorb the sauce perfectly.
-
Fresh herbs add brightness, but dried herbs work in a pinch.
-
Customize with vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
-
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of cream or broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
