Creamy Paprika Steak Shells
Creamy paprika steak shells combine seared steak and tender shell pasta.The pasta is coated in a smoky paprika, garlic, and Parmesan cream sauce.This easy stovetop dinner is ready in about 35 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz shell pasta
- 1 lb steak sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the steak pieces with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, tossing until evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak pieces in a single layer.
- Sear the steak for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until deeply browned on the outside while remaining tender inside. Transfer the steak to a plate.
- Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Pour the heavy cream and beef broth into the skillet. Stir while scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked pasta shells and steak to the skillet. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Remove from the heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter sauce, substitute part of the heavy cream with additional beef broth or milk, although the sauce will be less rich. You can also use another short pasta shape, such as penne, rotini, or rigatoni.
For extra vegetables, add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm garlic bread for a complete meal.