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
- 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
- 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
- Cook the shell pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside for later.
- 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 to a plate and set aside.
- 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. 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.
- 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 a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, offering a fresh contrast to its richness. For a heartier meal, consider garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette slices to mop up every drop of sauce. Lightly roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, add color and nutrition. A glass of bold red wine (like a Cabernet or Malbec) will round out the meal beautifully. Need a fun family-friendly option? Serve with sparkling lemonade or iced tea!
Top Tips for Perfecting
- No steak? Swap in boneless chicken or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist without losing that savory bite!
- Don’t overcook the steak—sear quickly for a perfect, juicy texture. For extra flavor, let the steak rest before slicing.
- Use smoked paprika for depth and complexity, but regular paprika works if that’s what you have.
- Feeling extra cheesy? Add more Parmesan or a handful of Gruyère!
- Deglaze your skillet well with the broth to catch all the savory browned bits—they’re flavor gold!
- Avoid burning the garlic by keeping the heat at medium and sautéing briefly.
- To double the recipe, use a larger skillet and cook steak in batches.
