Creamy Paprika Steak Shells 🔥🔥🔥 Recipe
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.
- Author: Cara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy coating.
- 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.
- 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