🥩 Creamy Paprika Steak Shells
This is a rich, comforting pasta dish featuring tender steak pieces in a creamy, paprika-spiced sauce served over pasta shells. It’s a great weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but is easy to prepare.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb (450 g) beef steak (sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook Pasta
Boil pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook Steak
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season steak with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika.
Sear steak 2–3 minutes per side until browned but still tender. Remove from pan and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and remaining paprika; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4️⃣ Combine
Add steak back to the sauce. Stir in cooked pasta shells.
Mix in Parmesan cheese until creamy and well-coated.
5️⃣ Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
🔥 Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate steak in a little paprika, garlic, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use smoked paprika for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Side salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette
- Steamed green vegetables (broccoli, green beans)
If you want, I can also give a one-pan version where the pasta cooks directly in the creamy sauce with the steak, for less cleanup and extra flavor absorption.
