Hey there, friend! First off — thank you for being here. If you’re craving something warm, creamy, and just downright satisfying without spending all night in the kitchen, this Creamy Paprika Steak Shells recipe is about to make your weeknight dinner dreams come true.
Picture this: juicy seared steak bites nestled in tender pasta shells, all coated in a smoky, silky cream sauce that you’ll want to lick off the spoon. It’s cozy, rich, and fast — ready in just 30 minutes and made in ONE skillet. Let’s just call this what it is: weeknight bliss. 🙌
🍽 What Is Creamy Paprika Steak Shells?
This dish is everything you love about comfort food, packed into one pan. It’s a rich, creamy pasta dish that combines:
- Bite-sized pieces of tender steak
- Al dente shell pasta
- A creamy, garlicky sauce with smoked paprika and Parmesan cheese
It’s indulgent without being heavy, and best of all — super quick and easy.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One skillet = minimal cleanup
- 30-minute cook time — faster than delivery!
- Kid- and adult-approved comfort food
- Smoked paprika adds depth and warmth
- Easy to double for leftovers or guests
🛒 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shell pasta | 12 oz |
| Steak (sirloin/ribeye) | 1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Smoked paprika | 1½ teaspoons |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Beef broth | ½ cup |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup, grated |
| Fresh parsley | Chopped, for garnish |
🧰 Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for pasta
- Knife & cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
👨🍳 How to Make Creamy Paprika Steak Shells
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season & Sear the Steak
Toss your steak pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned but still juicy. Remove to a plate.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute — just until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).
Pour in heavy cream and beef broth, scraping up all those golden steak bits. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Add Cheese & Combine
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Return the steak and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot — with extra Parmesan, if you’re feeling fancy. 😍
🥗 What to Serve With Creamy Paprika Steak Shells
- Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or a warm baguette
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts
- A bold red wine (Cabernet, Syrah, or Malbec)
- Or a cold sparkling lemonade for a lighter touch!
💡 Recipe Tips & Variations
- No steak? Sub in chicken breast or thighs — just cook through and cube.
- Vegetarian? Use sautéed mushrooms and a splash of soy sauce for depth.
- Make it extra creamy: Add more Parmesan or a splash of sour cream at the end.
- Watch your garlic: Keep heat at medium to avoid burning it.
- Deglaze like a pro: Don’t skip scraping the pan after searing the steak — that’s where the flavor lives!
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce
- Freezer: Not ideal due to the dairy, but it can be frozen in a pinch. Just reheat slowly to prevent separation.
🧮 Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving – Serves 4)
- Calories: ~580
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 44g
- Fat: 32g
- Sodium: ~640mg
(Nutrition will vary based on exact ingredients and portion size.)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work well with this creamy sauce.
What cut of steak is best?
Sirloin is a great balance of tender and affordable. Ribeye offers more marbling and richness.
Is smoked paprika a must?
It adds a lot of depth, but regular paprika works fine if that’s what you have.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Just prep the sauce and steak ahead, store separately, and combine with fresh pasta when ready to eat.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Creamy Paprika Steak Shells recipe is comfort food at its easiest. It’s quick, rich, savory, and just a little bit fancy — the kind of dish that makes you feel like a chef without the stress.
Make it for dinner tonight, serve it to guests, or just enjoy a warm bowl on the couch with a glass of wine. However you dish it up, you’re going to love every bite. 💛
🍝 More One-Skillet Comfort Meals You’ll Love:
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles
- One-Pot Cajun Sausage Alfredo
- Steak & Mushroom Gravy Skillet
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