Creamy Paprika Steak Shells Rich and Smoky Comfort in a Bowl

Oh, my friend, let me tell you about a dish that’s bound to warm your soul and wrap you in its comforting embrace: Creamy Paprika Steak Shells. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that’ll take you to a cozy little bistro on a chilly evening. Picture this: tender steak mingling with perfectly cooked pasta in a luxurious creamy sauce, all heightened by the smoky warmth of paprika. This dish is my go-to for everything from casual weeknights to unexpected dinner guests. Trust me—you’ll want to make this again and again.

Why you’ll love this recipe

What sets this dish apart? First off, it’s so rich and fulfilling that it’ll make even the toughest day feel like a success. The smoky paprika isn’t just there for show; it anchors the dish with an earthy depth that dances on your palate. Plus, the creamy sauce hugs each shell of pasta, ensuring that every bite is a flavor-packed experience.

But it’s not just about the taste. You can whip this up in less than 30 minutes, which means you can enjoy gourmet flavors without spending half your day in the kitchen. It’s easy to adapt, too—if you’re feeling bold, add in your favorite veggies or even a splash of hot sauce for kick. Let me tell you—this is the kind of comfort food that holds a special place in your heart (and your kitchen) for years to come.

Gather these ingredients

• 1 lb Steak (Sirloin, flank, or ribeye will do wonders here; just choose what you have on hand or what you love.)
• 8 oz Medium Shell Pasta (If you can’t find shells, don’t sweat it. Cavatappi, rotini, or penne will fit the bill just fine.)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (This is your trusty sidekick for sautéing. Go for a variety with a high smoke point.)
• 1 tbsp Butter (Ah, the joy of butter! It adds richness that’s unmatched. Use extra olive oil if you’re keeping it dairy-free.)
• 1 small Onion, diced (It’s the aromatic base that starts everything off just right.)
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced (Because we all know there’s no such thing as too much garlic, right?)
• 1.5 tsp Smoked Paprika (Here’s where the magic happens—this smoky gem will elevate your dish to new heights.)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (For that luscious creamy texture. You can also use cream cheese if you want an extra tangy twist.)
• 0.5 cup Beef Broth or White Wine (Choosing one or the other is crucial when it comes to deglazing the pan and waking up those flavors.)
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan (The salty garnish that ties everything together beautifully.)
• Salt & Black Pepper (Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.)
• Optional Herbs (Fresh parsley or thyme) (For that pop of color and a fresh finish.)

Preparing Creamy Paprika Steak Shells Rich and Smoky Comfort in a Bowl

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the pasta in a large pot according to package instructions. Make sure you salt the water! It should taste like the ocean.

2. Sear the Steak: While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your steak generously with salt and pepper. Sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on how rare you like it. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you want that golden-brown crust! Remove the steak and let it rest on a cutting board.

3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of butter and turn the heat down to medium. Toss in your diced onion and let it sweat for a few minutes until it’s translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant—your kitchen is going to smell incredible!

4. Build the Sauce: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and stir it for a few seconds to toast it up. Add your cup of heavy cream and half a cup of beef broth or white wine. Let this simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

5. Combine Everything: Toss in the cooked pasta and mix until every shell is coated with that luxurious sauce. Don’t forget to slice your steak against the grain and add it back to the pan!

6. Finishing Touch: Finally, sprinkle in your grated Parmesan, and season with more salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well combined and oh-so-delicious.

7. Garnish: Serve hot, optionally topped with fresh herbs for that lovely touch.

Best way to enjoy it

So, how do you serve this masterpiece? Simple: embrace the bowl! Portion it out generously, ensuring each serving is adorned with sliced steak on top. You can’t go wrong with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme—it’s like the cherry on top of your cozy sundae.

Pair this with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to balance out the richness. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, garlic bread on the side is an absolute delight. An accompanying glass of red wine will elevate your meal to a glam evening in.

Storage and reheating tips

If you’ve got leftovers (which is rare, but let’s be realistic), this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll hang tight for about 2-3 days—just reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to bring back that creamy texture.

If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it. Just remember that the cream can separate a little, but it’ll still taste divine! Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Helpful cooking tips

• Quality of Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the dish. Use fresh herbs when possible for the best flavor.
• Don’t Forget to Rest the Steak: It doesn’t just help retain juices; it also allows you some breathing room to prepare the sauce.
• Customizing the Sauce: For a kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or get adventurous and experiment with different cheeses!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Try incorporating some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added depth and nutrition. You could swap out the smoked paprika for sweet or hot paprika based on your family’s preferences.

If you’re aiming for a lighter version, boneless, skinless chicken could replace the steak beautifully while still keeping all that creamy sauce magic. Play around with flavors and make this dish your own!

Ingredients

• 1 lb Steak (sirloin, flank, or ribeye)
• 8 oz Medium Shell Pasta (or substitutes: cavatappi, rotini, penne)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp Butter
• 1 small Onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1.5 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (or cream cheese)
• 0.5 cup Beef Broth or White Wine
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan
• Salt & Black Pepper
• Optional Herbs (Fresh parsley or thyme)

Directions to follow

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet, then sear the seasoned steak for 3-4 minutes/side. Remove and rest.
3. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic.
4. Stir in smoked paprika and sauté for an additional minute.
5. Add heavy cream and broth/wine; simmer for 3-5 minutes.
6. Add cooked pasta, thinly sliced steak, and Parmesan. Stir to combine.
7. Serve in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs as desired.

Common questions

• Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Any shape you have will work, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• How spicy is this dish? The smoked paprika adds some warmth, but feel free to adjust according to your taste!
• What if I can’t find heavy cream? You can substitute with half-and-half or even a thick coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• How long will leftovers last? They can stay good in the fridge for 2-3 days, or you can freeze them.
• Can I skip the cheese? Sure! Just know it will slightly affect the creaminess. You could add nutritional yeast for flavor if you’re vegan.

I’m thrilled for you to dive into this delicious adventure! Trust me; once you take that first bite of Creamy Paprika Steak Shells, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in my kitchen. I invite you to make it your own—tweak the flavors, experiment with the ingredients, and don’t forget to share your delightful experiences with me! Happy cooking!

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Creamy Paprika Steak Shells Rich and Smoky Comfort in a Bowl

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy Non Vegetarian Quick Meals W Weeknight

Difficulty: easy Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 35 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 650

Best Season: Winter

Description

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is a comforting dish that combines tender steak and perfectly cooked pasta in a luxurious creamy sauce with a smoky paprika flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Steak (sirloin, flank, or ribeye)
• 8 oz Medium Shell Pasta (Or substitutes: cavatappi, rotini, penne)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (High smoke point variety)
• 1 tbsp Butter (Or extra olive oil for a dairy-free version)
• 1 small Onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1.5 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (Or cream cheese for a slightly tangy flavor)
• 0.5 cup Beef Broth or White Wine (For deglazing the pan)
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan
• to taste Salt & Black Pepper
• to taste Optional Herbs (Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Cook the Pasta

   Start by cooking the pasta in a large pot according to package instructions. Make sure to salt the water!
   Pasta should taste like the ocean.
   Mark as complete

2. Sear the Steak

   Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, then let it rest.
   Don't overcrowd the pan.
   Mark as complete

3. Sauté the Aromatics

   In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
   Your kitchen will smell incredible!
   Mark as complete

4. Build the Sauce

   Add smoked paprika and stir for a few seconds. Then add heavy cream and beef broth or white wine, simmer for 3-5 minutes.
   Let the sauce thicken slightly.
   Mark as complete

5. Combine Everything

   Toss in the cooked pasta and sliced steak. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan and stir until well combined.
   Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
   Mark as complete

6. Garnish & Serve

   Serve hot, optionally topped with fresh herbs.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 650kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 35g54%

Saturated Fat 15g75%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 120mg40%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 45g15%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 2g

Protein 45g90%

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Vitamin A 600 IU

Vitamin C 3 mg

Calcium 200 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 0 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0.4 mg

Niacin 8 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 20 mcg

Vitamin B12 3 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 350 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 25 mg

Zinc 5 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0.3 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For a lighter version, substitute boneless skinless chicken for the steak.

Keywords: Creamy Paprika Steak Shells, pasta, steak, comfort food, creamy sauce