Description
Michelle’s Creamy Paprika Steak Shells Rich is a luxurious, comforting pasta dish featuring tender seared steak bites tossed with pasta shells in a smoky, creamy paprika sauce — rich, hearty, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Season steak pieces generously with salt, pepper, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak pieces for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened, then add garlic and remaining paprika. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan with beef broth, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low and let simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Return the steak and cooked pasta shells to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the creamy paprika sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Use smoked paprika for a deeper, more robust flavor; substitute with regular paprika for a milder taste.
- For a spicy twist, add cayenne or extra red pepper flakes.
- Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak all work well — slice thinly for tenderness.
- This dish pairs perfectly with garlic bread and a side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-European Fusion