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Creamy Paprika Steak Shells 🔥🔥🔥 Recipe

4 from 24 reviews

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells are a rich, smoky, and tender skillet meal combining juicy steak bites with creamy smoked paprika sauce and tender shell pasta. This comforting dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, featuring bold flavors from smoked paprika and garlic, a velvety Parmesan-infused cream sauce, and garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

  • 12 oz shell pasta

Steak and Seasoning:

  • 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Cooking Fats and Aromatics:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

  • Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz of shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to keep warm.
  2. Season Steak: In a bowl, season 1 lb of bite-sized steak pieces with salt, black pepper, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of smoked paprika until evenly coated to develop bold smoky flavors.
  3. Sear Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a deep brown crust. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Make Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of beef broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it slightly thickens, intensifying the creamy texture.
  6. Add Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy coating.
  7. Combine and Toss: Return the cooked shell pasta and seared steak pieces to the skillet. Toss everything gently to evenly coat the pasta and steak with the creamy paprika sauce.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve the dish hot for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the smoked paprika.
  • Use ribeye for extra tenderness or sirloin for a leaner option.
  • Make sure not to overcook the steak to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.

Keywords: creamy paprika steak shells, smoked paprika pasta, creamy steak pasta, weeknight steak dinner, paprika sauce recipe, skillet steak pasta