🥩🧄 Creamy Paprika Steak Shells Pasta
Serves: 4
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the pasta and steak
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12 oz pasta shells
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1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), cut into bite-sized strips
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1–2 tbsp olive oil
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Salt & pepper
For the creamy paprika sauce
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2 tbsp butter
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1 small onion, finely diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
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1/2 tsp chili powder or cayenne (optional for heat)
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook pasta
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Boil pasta shells according to package instructions.
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Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Cook the steak
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season steak strips with salt and pepper.
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Sear steak 2–3 minutes per side until browned but still tender.
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Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the creamy paprika sauce
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In the same skillet, melt butter.
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Sauté onion 3–4 minutes until translucent.
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Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
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Stir in paprika and cayenne, cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add broth, scraping up any brown bits from the pan.
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Pour in heavy cream, whisk until smooth.
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Stir in Parmesan and Dijon mustard, season with salt & pepper.
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Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Combine pasta and steak
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Return steak to the skillet.
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Toss in cooked pasta shells.
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Add a splash of reserved pasta water if sauce needs thinning.
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Stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Serve
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Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
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Serve immediately while creamy and hot.
💡 Tips & Variations
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Extra veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce.
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Spice level: Increase paprika or add smoked chipotle for smoky heat.
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Cheesy twist: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella for extra creaminess.
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Make-ahead: Sauce can be made in advance; reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
I can also provide a one-pot version of this creamy paprika steak pasta that’s faster and even easier to clean up. Do you want me to do that?
