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Creamy paprika steak shells served on a plate, garnished with herbs.

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells

A comforting meal that combines tender steak with a rich, creamy sauce and shell pasta, infused with aromatic smoked paprika for a delightful burst of flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 12 ounces shell pasta These beautifully curved shells hold the sauce just right.

Steak

  • 1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces Juicy, tender morsels that add robust flavor.

Seasonings

  • Salt and black pepper to taste Salt and black pepper For enhancing all flavors in the dish.
  • 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika Provides a warm, smoky essence.

Cooking fats

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Used to sear the steak.
  • 1 tablespoon butter For a rich, creamy finish to the sauce.

Sauce Ingredients

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced For aromatic depth.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Transforms the dish into a creamy delight.
  • 1/2 cup beef broth Enhances the savory quality.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Contributes sharp and nutty flavor.

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh parsley Adds freshness and color to the dish.

Instructions
 

Boil Shell Pasta

  • Begin by boiling the shell pasta in a large pot of salted water. Follow the package instructions to achieve al dente perfection. Once cooked, drain well and set aside.

Prepare the Steak

  • Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Sear the Steak

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

  • Lower the heat and add butter to the skillet. Melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute, until fragrant and golden.

Add Cream and Broth

  • Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly.

Incorporate Cheese

  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted, creating a creamy sauce.

Combine Everything

  • Return the pasta and seared steak to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

Serve

  • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, let your steak rest after searing it. You can use whole-grain shell pasta or add leafy greens for a healthier version.
Keyword Comfort Food, Creamy Steak Pasta, Satisfying Dinner