Creamy Paprika Steak Shells Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Paprika Steak Shells recipe combines tender steak and pasta in a rich, smoky sauce that’s perfect for a comforting meal. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s a dish you can enjoy any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak (sirloin, flank, or ribeye)
- 8 oz medium shell pasta (substitutes: cavatappi, rotini, or penne)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing and flavor; use oil with a high smoke point)
- 1 tbsp butter (adds richness; use extra olive oil if dairy-free)
- 1 small onion, diced (for aromatic depth)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (adjust quantity based on preference)
- 1.5 tsp smoked paprika (key to the sauce’s bold, earthy flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream (creates the creamy texture; cream cheese can be used for added flavor)
- 0.5 cup beef broth or white wine (to deglaze and add umami)
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan (for salinity and richness)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- Optional herbs (fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the medium shell pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook the sliced steak for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low, add butter, diced onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in smoked paprika, then pour in beef broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add heavy cream and grated Parmesan, stirring until smooth. Simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken.
- Step 5: Return the cooked pasta and steak to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if it seems too thick.
- Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with extra olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Swap steak for chicken or mushrooms for a different protein option.
- Use cream cheese in place of some heavy cream to add extra flavor and thickness.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, cavatappi, rotini, or penne all make great substitutes for medium shell pasta in this recipe.
What if I don’t have beef broth or white wine?
You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water, though using broth or wine adds more depth to the sauce’s flavor.
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Creamy Paprika Steak Shells Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Paprika Steak Shells are a rich and smoky comfort meal featuring tender seared steak and al dente pasta shells enveloped in a luscious smoked paprika cream sauce. This hearty dish combines bold flavors of smoked paprika and Parmesan with a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Pasta
- 1 lb Steak (sirloin, flank, or ribeye)
- 8 oz Medium Shell Pasta (Substitutes: cavatappi, rotini, or penne can be used)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing and flavor; use oil with high smoke point)
- 1 tbsp Butter (adds richness to the sauce; use additional olive oil if dairy-free)
- 1 small Onion, diced (provides aromatic depth)
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced (enhances flavor profile)
- 1.5 tsp Smoked Paprika (delivers bold, earthy flavor; key to the sauce)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (creates creamy texture of the sauce; cream cheese can be used for added flavor)
- 0.5 cup Beef Broth or White Wine (de-glazes the pan and adds umami)
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan (provides salinity and richness)
- Salt & Black Pepper (essential for seasoning to taste)
- Optional Herbs (fresh parsley or thyme for garnish and freshness)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the medium shell pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the cooked pasta aside.
- Sear the steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the sliced steak for 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add butter, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Add smoked paprika and deglaze: Stir in the smoked paprika to coat the aromatics, then pour in beef broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits to add flavor.
- Make the creamy sauce: Add heavy cream and grated Parmesan, stirring until the sauce is well combined and smooth. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken.
- Combine pasta and steak with sauce: Toss the cooked pasta and seared steak back into the skillet with the sauce, making sure everything is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to adjust consistency.
- Season and garnish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this smoky, creamy comfort dish!
Notes
- You can substitute the steak with chicken or a plant-based protein for variation.
- If dairy-free, skip the butter and Parmesan or use vegan alternatives.
- To intensify the smoky flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked salt.
- Reserve pasta water is useful to thin out the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy paprika steak shells, smoked paprika pasta, creamy steak pasta, comfort food, easy dinner recipe
