Absolutely! Here’s a flavorful recipe for Creamy Paprika Steak Shells — tender steak bites tossed with pasta in a rich, paprika-spiced cream sauce.
🥩🍝 Creamy Paprika Steak Shells
Serves: 4
Prep + Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta shells
- 1 lb (450 g) sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- ½ cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
2️⃣ Sear the Steak
- Season steak pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear steak 2–3 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in cream, Dijon mustard (if using), and Parmesan cheese.
- Let simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
4️⃣ Combine Steak and Pasta
- Return steak to the skillet and cook 2–3 more minutes until steak reaches desired doneness.
- Add cooked pasta shells and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
5️⃣ Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot, optionally with a side salad or garlic bread.
✅ Tips & Variations
- Extra smoky flavor: Use smoked paprika and a dash of cayenne for heat.
- Cheesy twist: Stir in mozzarella or Gruyère for extra creaminess.
- Veggie boost: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of cream.
If you want, I can also give a “one-pan version” where the pasta cooks directly in the creamy sauce with the steak — super quick and minimal cleanup.
Do you want me to do that?
