Ah, creamy paprika steak shells — we’re talking pasta with tender steak, a rich paprika cream sauce, and shell-shaped pasta. Think of it as a cozy, slightly smoky, creamy skillet meal. Here’s a complete breakdown:
Creamy Paprika Steak Shells
Servings: 2–3
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta shells
- 1/2 lb (225 g) steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), sliced thin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup beef or chicken stock
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta:
- Boil pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the steak:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season steak slices with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
- Sear steak for 1–2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Add bell peppers and cook 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Sprinkle in paprika and cayenne, stirring for 30 seconds to release flavor.
- Pour in heavy cream and stock, stirring to combine. Simmer 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine everything:
- Return steak to the skillet and stir to coat with sauce.
- Add cooked pasta shells, tossing gently. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
- Optional: sprinkle a little Parmesan for extra richness.
Tips for Best Results
- Steak: Sear quickly on high heat for tender slices. Avoid overcooking.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika gives a deep, slightly sweet flavor. Sweet paprika works if you want milder taste.
- Creamy consistency: Use pasta water to adjust thickness — keeps sauce silky and not too heavy.
- Extra veggies: Mushrooms or spinach work beautifully in this sauce.
If you want, I can also give a one-pan shortcut version where the pasta cooks right in the creamy paprika sauce — very fast and minimal cleanup.
Do you want me to give that version?
