
🥩 Creamy Paprika Steak Shells 🌶️
Smoky, Silky, and Seriously Satisfying.
Looking for a cozy, creamy skillet dinner that feels like a warm hug on a weeknight? These Creamy Paprika Steak Shells are just the thing. Tender steak bites seared to perfection, tossed with smoky paprika and folded into a velvety garlic cream sauce — all wrapped around shell pasta that soaks up every drop of flavor.
One pan, bold taste, and dinner is done. 🍝✨
🛒 Ingredients
For the steak:
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (more if you love it!)
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the pasta:
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: a pinch of chili flakes for heat
🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta shells until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sear the steak
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high.
Season steak pieces with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and just cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in paprika, cream, and beef broth. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes to slightly thicken.
Add Parmesan and stir until melted and silky. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Combine
Return cooked steak to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta shells and stir everything together.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen.
5. Serve
Top with fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little kick.
Serve hot and devour immediately. 🔥
⏱️ Quick Look
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~580 kcal per serving
💡 Tips & Variations
- Steak swap: Try thinly sliced chicken or even mushrooms for a lighter/veggie version.
- Extra creamy? Add a touch of cream cheese or mascarpone for ultra-luxurious texture.
- More smoky flavor? A pinch of chipotle powder or smoked salt does the trick!
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
- One skillet = fewer dishes!
- Big, bold flavors with minimal effort
- Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Deliciously indulgent without being fussy
Tag your plate and share the love!
#CreamySteakShells #PaprikaPasta #WeeknightDinnerGoals #ComfortFoodCravings