Creamy Paprika Steak Shells

🔥 Rich, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth tender—these Creamy Paprika Steak Shells are the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. Packed with bold flavors from smoked paprika, garlic, and Parmesan, this dish is creamy, indulgent, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfectly cooked steak bites and al dente pasta shells come together in a luscious, velvety sauce that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. 🥩🌶️🧄🍝

📋 Ingredients

• 12 oz shell pasta
• 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye) , cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt & black pepper , to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• 1½ tsp smoked paprika (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup beef broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley , for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak

1. Pat the steak bites dry with paper towels and season generously with salt , black pepper , and smoked paprika .
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat .
3. Add the steak bites to the skillet and sear for 2–3 minutes per side , or until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

1. Reduce the heat to medium . Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute , until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth , stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes , stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
2. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta and steak bites back to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat evenly in the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Transfer to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve hot and enjoy every bite of this rich and comforting dish!

Tips for Success

• Steak Choice: Use sirloin or ribeye for tender, flavorful bites. Flank steak or skirt steak can also work if sliced thinly against the grain.
• Pasta Substitutions: Feel free to swap shell pasta for penne, fusilli, or any short pasta shape you have on hand.
• Add Veggies: Bulk up the dish by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers to the skillet before making the sauce.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the sauce and steak separately for up to 3 months . Avoid freezing the pasta, as it may become mushy when thawed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Creamy Paprika Steak Shells are a flavor-packed, restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The smoky paprika adds depth, while the creamy Parmesan sauce ties everything together with rich, velvety goodness. Tender steak bites and perfectly cooked pasta make this dish hearty and satisfying, perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing guests. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking for a quick yet impressive dinner, this recipe delivers big on taste and texture. Dive into this creamy, dreamy dish and let it warm your soul! 🔥