Description
Creamy Paprika Steak Shells combines tender steak pieces with medium pasta shells in a luscious, smoky paprika-infused cream sauce. This comforting yet flavorful dish is quick to prepare and perfect for both casual weeknights and special occasions, delivering a rich, savory meal that delights the senses.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak
- 8 oz sirloin or ribeye steak, thinly sliced into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
Spices & Seasonings
- 1½ tsp smoked paprika (plus extra for sauce)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Cook the Steak: Increase heat to medium-high. Add the steak pieces to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear the meat for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but still tender inside. Remove steak and set aside.
- Create the Creamy Paprika Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Whisk in additional smoked paprika to intensify flavor. Let the sauce simmer gently while stirring to thicken. Add grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked steak to the skillet and fold in the cooked pasta shells. Toss well to ensure every shell is coated in the creamy paprika sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Choose tender steak cuts like sirloin or ribeye and slice against the grain for a softer bite.
- Avoid overcooking the steak to keep it juicy.
- Use fresh, high-quality smoked paprika for the best smoky flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Simmer the sauce gently to prevent curdling or burning the cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: paprika steak, creamy pasta, steak shells, smoky paprika sauce, comfort food, easy dinner