Indulge in Creamy Paprika Steak Shells for a Hearty Dinner

Prepare to be swept off your feet by the irresistible combination of tender steak, creamy paprika sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta shells. Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is a dish that delivers steakhouse flavor with weeknight ease, making it the perfect choice for a comforting and indulgent dinner. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining familiar ingredients in a way that feels both sophisticated and effortless.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Creamy Paprika Steak Shells

To create this delectable pasta dish, you’ll need a few simple yet flavorful ingredients. The star of the show is the steak, which can be either sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces. The creamy paprika sauce is made with heavy cream, beef broth, and garlic, while the Parmesan cheese adds a delightful creaminess and richness. Let’s take a closer look at the full ingredient list:

• 12 oz shell pasta
• 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the easy-to-follow instructions for bringing this Creamy Paprika Steak Shells dish to life:

Cook Pasta

Start by cooking the shell pasta in salted boiling water according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be tossed with the creamy sauce.

Sear Steak

Season the steak bites with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the steak and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.

Make Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and beef broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Add Cheese & Combine

Add the Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth. Return the seared steak to the pan and toss it with the cooked pasta, ensuring everything is evenly coated in the creamy paprika sauce.

Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle the Creamy Paprika Steak Shells with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot, ready to delight your taste buds.

Flavor Profile and Cooking Techniques

The key to the incredible flavor of this dish lies in the combination of the smoky paprika, the rich garlic, and the creamy Parmesan sauce. The searing technique used for the steak ensures a delightful caramelized crust, while the gentle simmering of the sauce allows the flavors to meld seamlessly. The end result is a pasta dish that’s both comforting and indulgent, with a balance of savory, creamy, and slightly spiced notes.

Nutritional Information

A serving of Creamy Paprika Steak Shells provides a satisfying and nutritious meal. Each serving contains approximately 650 calories, with 45 grams of carbohydrates, 40 grams of protein, and 35 grams of fat. For a healthier alternative, you can use low-fat or nonfat dairy products, such as Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cream cheese, in place of the heavy cream to lower the overall caloric and fat content.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a simple side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts. For a complementary beverage, consider a bold red wine or a refreshing craft beer. To enhance the presentation, garnish the dish with additional chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta
• Beef Stroganoff
• Paprika Chicken with Rice

FAQs about Creamy Paprika Steak Shells

What cut of steak works best for this pasta dish?

For the Creamy Paprika Steak Shells, you can use either sirloin or ribeye steak. Sirloin is a leaner cut that will still remain tender when seared and tossed in the creamy sauce. Ribeye offers a slightly more indulgent texture and flavor, with a bit more marbling.

Can I use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika?

While regular paprika will work, the smoked variety really elevates the flavor profile of this dish. The smoky notes complement the richness of the steak and cream sauce beautifully. If you don’t have smoked paprika on hand, you can substitute with a blend of regular paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a similar effect.

What size pasta shells should I use and can I substitute with another shape?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use 12 ounces of large shell pasta. The big, scooped shells are perfect for capturing all the creamy, steak-filled goodness. If you can’t find large shells, you can substitute with other pasta shapes, such as penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle (bow-tie pasta).

How do I prevent the cream sauce from separating or becoming too thick?

To keep the cream sauce smooth and velvety, be sure to simmer it gently rather than allowing it to boil rapidly. Additionally, adding the Parmesan cheese gradually and stirring constantly will help emulsify the sauce and prevent it from breaking. If the sauce does become too thick, you can thin it out by adding a splash of beef broth or pasta cooking water.

Conclusion

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is a dish that truly embodies the best of both worlds – the indulgence of a steakhouse meal and the convenience of a weeknight dinner. With its tender steak, creamy paprika sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Give it a try and experience the delightful fusion of flavors that will have your taste buds singing!

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

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