Here’s a rich, comforting Creamy Paprika Steak Shells recipe 🥩🍝 — tender steak, smoky paprika, and silky sauce wrapped around pasta shells.
🥩🍝 Creamy Paprika Steak Shells
🛒 Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta shells
- 12 oz (340 g) steak (sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ½ cup beef broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ small onion or shallot, finely chopped
- Optional: chili flakes, fresh parsley
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook pasta
Boil shells in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain. - Season & sear steak
Toss steak with smoked paprika, sweet paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear steak quickly (1–2 min per side). Remove and set aside. - Build the sauce
In the same pan, lower heat to medium. Add onion/shallot and sauté until soft.
Pour in beef broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes. - Make it creamy
Stir in cream and simmer gently until slightly thickened. - Combine
Add pasta, steak, Parmesan, and a splash of pasta water if needed. Toss until coated. - Finish
Adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley or chili flakes.
✨ Why It’s So Good
- Smoked paprika adds deep, cozy flavor
- Steak stays juicy by searing fast
- Pasta shells hold the creamy sauce perfectly
🔄 Variations
- Lighter: Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt (off heat)
- Mushroom lover: Add sautéed mushrooms
- Spicy: Add cayenne or extra chili flakes
- Chicken swap: Works great with chicken strips
🍷 Serve With
- Simple green salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
If you want, I can:
- Turn this into a one-pan version
- Make it air-fryer steak friendly
- Create a 30-minute weeknight version
Just let me know 😊
