Description
Smoky Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is a bold, comforting pasta dish made with tender seared steak, shell pasta, and a rich, smoky paprika cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this hearty dinner is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want an indulgent, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz steak (sirloin, flank, or skirt), thinly sliced
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup beef broth
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Sear steak: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Sear 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build sauce: Add smoked paprika, then pour in cream and beef broth. Whisk and simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Return steak to the pan, add cooked pasta, and toss to coat. Use pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
- Serve: Taste, adjust seasoning, and garnish as desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Steak tip: Slice steak thinly and against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Paprika: Use smoked paprika for signature flavor—sweet paprika won’t give the same depth.
- Variations: Swap steak for chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: smoky paprika steak pasta, creamy steak shells, paprika cream sauce pasta, steak pasta recipe, comfort food pasta