Description
Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is a comforting pasta dish featuring tender steak bites and large pasta shells tossed in a smoky paprika cream sauce. It’s quick to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for a cozy dinner or an elevated midweek meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) sirloin or rib-eye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 10 oz (280 g) large pasta shells
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season steak pieces with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika if desired.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak pieces for 2–3 minutes per side until browned but tender. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in smoked paprika and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add beef broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta shells and steak back into the skillet. Toss to coat and heat through.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Notes
- Cook pasta just to al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when tossed in the sauce.
- Use smoked paprika for best flavor, or mix regular paprika with a pinch of cumin if needed.
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of white wine to the sauce.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be stored for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
