Yum — Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is a rich, hearty comfort dish that tastes like a cross between stroganoff and creamy pasta alfredo with a smoky paprika kick. Perfect for a cozy dinner! 😋
Here’s a full recipe:
🥩 Creamy Paprika Steak Shells
Serves: 4
Ready in: ~30 minutes
🧂 Ingredients
For the steak & pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) medium pasta shells (or any short pasta)
- 1 lb (450 g) sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the creamy sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika (add more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: a pinch of cayenne for heat
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or chives
- Extra paprika for dusting
🍳 Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring salted water to a boil and cook shells until al dente.
- Drain and set aside (reserve about ½ cup of pasta water).
- Cook the steak:
- Season sliced steak with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear steak pieces for 1–2 minutes per side until browned but still tender.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter.
- Add garlic and paprika; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
- Slowly add beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan; simmer until thickened (3–5 minutes).
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if desired.
- Combine:
- Add cooked pasta and steak to the sauce.
- Toss until coated; add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve:
- Garnish with parsley or chives and a sprinkle of paprika.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
💡 Tips
- Slice steak thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- You can swap steak for chicken, sausage, or mushrooms for variation.
- For extra smokiness, use smoked paprika — it makes a big difference!
Would you like me to give you a one-pot version (everything cooked in the same pan, minimal cleanup)?
