Indulge in this rich and hearty pasta dish featuring tender, juicy steak paired with creamy paprika sauce and shell pasta that perfectly soaks up every drop. It’s comforting, bold, and ready to impress — perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a crowd-pleasing family meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz shell pasta
- Salt, for pasta water
Steak
- 1 lb steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak), thinly sliced or cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Creamy Paprika Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Season steak pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak 2–3 minutes per side until browned but still juicy. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for 30 seconds to form a roux. Slowly whisk in beef broth and cream. Add smoked paprika, onion powder, chili flakes, and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened and creamy.
Step 4: Combine
Add cooked pasta and steak back into the skillet. Toss until coated in the creamy paprika sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.
Time, Serving & Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories (approx): 520 per serving
Why You’ll Love This Dish
✅ Creamy & Comforting: Rich sauce clings perfectly to pasta shells.
✅ Steak Lover’s Dream: Tender, juicy bites in every forkful.
✅ Weeknight-Friendly: Comes together in about 30 minutes.
✅ Versatile: Swap steak for chicken, shrimp, or even mushrooms.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook Steak: Keep it juicy by searing quickly on high heat.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Melts smoother into the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Add a splash if sauce needs loosening.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad. Pair with a bold red wine for an elevated dinner.
