Creamy Paprika Steak Shells Recipe

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🌟 Creamy Paprika Steak Shells Recipe

📖 Introduction

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender steak bites, rich paprika-infused cream sauce, and pasta shells that hold every drop of flavor. This dish balances elegance and heartiness, making it equally fit for a family dinner or a special occasion meal. The smokiness of paprika enhances the juicy steak, while the cream sauce wraps everything in velvety indulgence.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 12 oz shell pasta
  • 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip), cut into bite-sized cubes
  • Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (or sweet paprika, depending on preference)
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions / Methods

  1. Cook the Pasta
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the shell pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Steak
    • Pat steak pieces dry with a paper towel. Season generously with salt and pepper.
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Sear the steak cubes for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned but still tender inside. Remove and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce
    • In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter.
    • Add onions and sauté until translucent (3–4 minutes).
    • Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
    • Add paprika and chili flakes, stirring to release aroma.
    • Pour in beef broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any brown bits from the pan.
    • Stir in heavy cream and let it thicken slightly.
  4. Combine Everything
    • Add the cooked pasta shells and steak back into the skillet.
    • Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and toss everything together until well-coated.
    • Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or paprika if needed.
  5. Serve
    • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, preferably with crusty bread or a light side salad.

📜 History

Pasta and steak may seem like two worlds apart, but they meet beautifully in modern fusion cooking. Paprika, originally cultivated in Central Europe, has been used for centuries to flavor hearty meats and stews. Creamy paprika sauces have long been a staple in Hungarian and Eastern European kitchens (think goulash), while pasta shells have Italian roots. This recipe unites these traditions into a comforting, globally inspired dish.

🌱 Benefits

  • Balanced Meal: Provides protein from steak, carbohydrates from pasta, and fats from cream.
  • Paprika Power: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin A, paprika supports eye health and immunity.
  • Comfort & Energy: Creamy pasta offers satisfying comfort while fueling the body with energy.
  • Customizable: Can be lightened with half-and-half instead of cream or enriched with veggies like spinach and mushrooms.

🏗️ Formation

This dish is formed through layering textures and flavors:

  1. The base: al dente shell pasta.
  2. The heart: tender, juicy steak bites.
  3. The soul: creamy paprika-infused sauce.
  4. The finish: Parmesan and herbs for richness and freshness.

❤️ Lovers of This Dish

  • Steak lovers: Because every bite is loaded with juicy beef.
  • Pasta enthusiasts: Shells catch sauce pockets perfectly.
  • Comfort food fans: Creamy, savory, and heartwarming.
  • Family cooks: Easy enough for weeknights but fancy enough for guests.

🍽️ Nutrition (per serving, approx. 4 servings)

  • Calories: ~580 kcal
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Calcium: 180 mg

🏁 Conclusion

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is not just a meal—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It brings together the richness of steak, the hominess of pasta, and the deep smoky flavors of paprika into one satisfying dish. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for your family or looking to impress someone special, this recipe guarantees comfort and flavor.

✨ Lovers of good food will cherish every creamy, savory bite.

Would you like me to also suggest variations of this recipe (like a spicy version, a lighter version, or a veggie-packed version)?

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