Description
Creamy Paprika Steak Shells combines tender seared steak bites with perfectly cooked shell pasta, all enveloped in a rich, smoky, and creamy Parmesan sauce. This hearty and comforting one-pan dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz shell pasta
Steak
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shell pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Season the steak: In a bowl, season the bite-sized steak pieces generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the spices.
- Sear the steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak pieces and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a deep brown crust but remain tender inside. Remove the steak from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest.
- Sauté the garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. When melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the steak on the skillet bottom. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it fully melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked shell pasta and seared steak pieces to the skillet. Gently toss to coat the pasta and steak evenly with the creamy paprika sauce.
- Serve garnished: Remove the skillet from the heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish, and serve it hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use a good quality steak such as sirloin or ribeye for tender, flavorful bites.
- Be careful not to overcook the steak to keep it juicy and tender inside.
- Smoked paprika adds a nice smoky depth; regular paprika can be substituted if needed.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy steak pasta, paprika steak shells, easy steak dinner, creamy pasta recipe, weeknight steak recipe
