Easy Creamy Paprika Steak Pasta

 

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells: The Ultimate Comfort Dish for Busy Weeknights

When it comes to cozy comfort food that’s both indulgent and easy to whip up, nothing beats Creamy Paprika Steak Shells. Imagine tender, perfectly seared steak bites nestled in a silky, smoky paprika cream sauce that clings to every curve of buttery shell pasta. It’s rich, hearty, and downright irresistible — the kind of dinner that makes you close your eyes after the first bite.

This dish brings together the best of both worlds: restaurant-quality flavor and weeknight simplicity. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a skillet full of creamy, smoky perfection — no fancy ingredients or complicated steps required.

✅️ Ingredients & Their Roles

Each ingredient in this recipe serves a flavorful purpose — and understanding why helps you create the perfect Creamy Paprika Steak Shells every time.

• 🔹️ 12 oz shell pasta: The pasta’s curved shape perfectly holds the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is coated with flavor.
• 🔹️ 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye): Choose a tender cut for melt-in-your-mouth results. Sirloin gives a leaner, beefy flavor, while ribeye adds luxurious richness.
• 🔹️ Salt & black pepper: Simple but essential — these balance the creaminess and enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
• 🔹️ 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps sear the steak to perfection, creating that golden-brown crust and sealing in the juices.
• 🔹️ 1 tbsp butter: Adds depth and richness to the sauce while softening the garlic.
• 🔹️ 3 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic base that gives this dish its signature savory depth.
• 🔹️ 1½ tsp smoked paprika: The star of the show. It adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that makes the sauce irresistibly bold.
• 🔹️ 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the creamy, velvety base for the sauce.
• 🔹️ ½ cup beef broth: Balances the richness of the cream and deepens the savory flavor.
• 🔹️ ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami, thickens the sauce, and gives that subtle, nutty finish.
• 🔹️ Fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens the dish and adds a pop of color to your plate.

✅️ Step-by-Step Instructions

👉 Step 1: Cook the Pasta
➡️ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shell pasta according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. (Tip: Save ½ cup of pasta water for later — it can loosen the sauce if needed.)

👉 Step 2: Season the Steak
➡️ Pat the steak dry and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

👉 Step 3: Sear the Steak
➡️ Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until beautifully browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

👉 Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
➡️ Lower the heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant — don’t let it burn.

👉 Step 5: Add Liquids & Simmer
➡️ Pour in heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, until slightly thickened and luscious.

👉 Step 6: Stir in Cheese
➡️ Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

👉 Step 7: Combine Everything
➡️ Add the cooked shells and seared steak back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in that luxurious, smoky sauce.

👉 Step 8: Garnish & Serve
➡️ Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

✅️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ◾️ One-pan convenience: Less cleanup, more flavor.
• ◾️ Restaurant-quality taste: Steak, cream, and smoked paprika create a rich, balanced flavor you’ll crave again and again.
• ◾️ 30-minute magic: Perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting but quick.
• ◾️ Family-approved: Creamy pasta and juicy steak are guaranteed hits for everyone at the table.

✅️ Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Paprika Steak Shells

• 🔹️ Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and gives a smoother sauce.
• 🔹️ Don’t overcook the steak: A quick sear keeps it tender and juicy.
• 🔹️ Adjust the consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra broth.
• 🔹️ Smoked paprika matters: Choose high-quality Spanish smoked paprika (pimentón) for that irresistible depth.

✅️ Serving Suggestions

• ◾️ A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• ◾️ Garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up every drop of sauce.
• ◾️ A glass of red wine — Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec pairs beautifully.

✅️ Final Thoughts

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is more than a meal — it’s a warm hug in a skillet. With its smoky, velvety sauce and tender steak pieces, this dish transforms simple ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this recipe guarantees clean plates and happy smiles.

👉 Rich, creamy, smoky, and utterly satisfying — this is comfort food done right.