🥩 Creamy Paprika Steak Shells: Your 30-Minute Weeknight Hero

Get ready for a dinner that’s faster than takeout, packed with flavor, and big on comfort. Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is all about quick prep, an easy method, and a dreamy sauce you’ll want to scoop up with a spoon.

All you need is about 30 minutes from start to finish—and just one skillet for the steak and sauce. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or wowing guests without breaking a sweat.

🛒 Ingredients

Pasta & Steak

• 12 oz shell pasta

• 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

The Creamy Paprika Sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup beef broth

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Directions

Follow these simple steps for a perfect, creamy, and flavorful meal:

1. Cook the Pasta

• Cook the shell pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions.

• Drain and set aside for later.

2. Sear the Steak

• Meanwhile, season the steak pieces generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, tossing to coat evenly.

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat.

• Once hot, add the steak bites and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until deeply browned but still tender inside.

• Remove the steak to a plate and set aside.

3. Build the Sauce

• Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet.

• Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant—careful not to burn it!

• Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits left from the steak (this is key for flavor!).

• Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, and cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

4. Combine and Serve

• Add the cooked pasta shells and steak pieces back to the skillet.

• Gently toss everything together until the pasta and steak are evenly coated in sauce.

• Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve piping hot for maximum comfort!

🍽️ What to Serve With

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells pairs perfectly with sides that cut through its richness.

• Freshness: A crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.

• The Mopper: Garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette slices to mop up every drop of sauce.

• Veggies: Lightly roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, add color and nutrition.

• Beverage Pairing: A glass of bold red wine (like a Cabernet or Malbec) or a fun family-friendly option like sparkling lemonade or iced tea!

✨ Top Tips for Perfecting This Dish

• Substitution: No steak? Swap in boneless chicken or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist without losing that savory bite!

• Cook the Steak Right: Don’t overcook the steak—sear quickly for a perfect, juicy texture. For extra flavor, let the steak rest before slicing.

• Paprika Power: Use smoked paprika for depth and complexity, but regular paprika works if that’s what you have.

• Cheesy Upgrade: Feeling extra cheesy? Add more Parmesan or a handful of Gruyère!

• Flavor Boost: Deglaze your skillet well with the broth to catch all the savory browned bits—they’re flavor gold!

• Garlic Guard: Avoid burning the garlic by keeping the heat at medium and sautéing briefly.

• Doubling Up: To double the recipe, use a larger skillet and cook the steak in batches to prevent overcrowding, which stops it from searing properly.