Introduction
Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is a rich, hearty pasta dish made with tender slices of steak, pasta shells, and a smoky paprika cream sauce. It’s quick enough for weeknights but indulgent enough for special dinners, delivering bold flavor with minimal effort.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or wooden spoon
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 12 oz (340 g) medium pasta shells
- 1 lb (450 g) sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon regular paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional)
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Steak: Sirloin stays tender and flavorful; flank steak works when sliced thin.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika adds depth; regular paprika balances the flavor.
- Cream: Heavy cream gives the richest sauce, but half-and-half can be used.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil shells in salted water according to package directions.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Steak
- Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season steak with salt and pepper.
- Sear steak quickly (2–3 minutes per side) until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in paprika and smoked paprika.
- Creamy Base
- Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up browned bits.
- Add heavy cream and simmer gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add pasta shells and steak back to the skillet.
- Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve
- Garnish with fresh herbs and extra parmesan if desired.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 34 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
