🥩 Creamy Paprika Steak Shells (Higher-Protein)
Rich, creamy, and packed with protein — this upgraded comfort pasta is perfect for muscle-building meals, Abrar.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4 – 45–55g protein per serving)
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300g high-protein pasta shells (or whole wheat shells)
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500g lean sirloin steak, thinly sliced
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1 tsp olive oil
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1 small onion, finely diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
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1 cup low-sodium beef broth
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¾ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
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½ cup light cream cheese
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½ cup low-fat shredded mozzarella or parmesan
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Optional protein boost: 2–3 tbsp liquid egg whites (tempered into sauce)
👩🍳 Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
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Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
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Sear steak strips 2–3 minutes until just cooked. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
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Stir in paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
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Add beef broth and simmer 2–3 minutes.
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Lower heat and stir in Greek yogurt and cream cheese until smooth.
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(Optional) Slowly whisk in egg whites while stirring constantly to thicken and increase protein.
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Return steak to pan and simmer gently 2 minutes.
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Toss in drained pasta and a splash of pasta water for creaminess.
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Stir in shredded cheese until melted.
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx.)
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Calories: ~520
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Protein: 48–55g
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Carbs: 45g
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Fat: 16g
(Macros vary by pasta brand.)
💪 To Push It to 60g+ Protein Per Serving
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Use extra lean steak (600g total)
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Use protein pasta (20g+ per serving)
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Add ½ cup cottage cheese blended into sauce
🔥 Lighter Cutting Version
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Reduce pasta to 200g
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Double the steak
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Replace cream cheese with extra Greek yogurt
