What’s up, comfort food fans! Get ready to make the kind of dinner that has everyone fighting for seconds. These creamy paprika steak shells are everything you want in a cozy meal – tender bites of perfectly seasoned steak, pasta shells swimming in the most incredible smoky cream sauce, all ready in just 30 minutes. This is the recipe that turns a regular Tuesday into something special!
Why This Dish Will Steal Your Heart
This easy steak pasta combines the best of both worlds – restaurant-quality flavors with simple weeknight cooking. The smoked paprika gives everything a gorgeous smoky flavor that makes your whole kitchen smell amazing, while the creamy sauce brings it all together in the most satisfying way possible.
Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or when you just want to treat yourself to something really good!
What You Need – Simple Ingredients, Amazing Results
The Pasta Foundation:
- 12 oz shell pasta – the shells hold all that creamy sauce perfectly!
The Star Steak:
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper for seasoning
- 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika – this is the magic ingredient!
The Cooking Essentials:
The Amazing Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup heavy cream – makes everything luxurious
- ½ cup beef broth – adds deep, savory flavor
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – for that perfect creamy finish
- Fresh parsley for garnish – makes it look restaurant-pretty!
Let’s Cook This Masterpiece Together
Step 1: Get Your Pasta Going (2 minutes)
- Fill a big pot with water and add plenty of salt – it should taste like the ocean
- Put it on high heat and bring to a rolling boil
- This takes about 8-10 minutes, so start it first while you prep everything else
- The pasta will cook while you work on the steak – perfect timing!
Step 2: Prep Your Beautiful Steak (3 minutes)
- Cut your steak into bite-sized pieces – about 1-inch chunks work great
- Pat them dry with paper towels – this helps them get a nice golden crust
- Season generously with salt, pepper, and that wonderful smoked paprika
- Toss everything together so every piece is well coated
- Let them sit while your pan heats up
Step 3: Cook the Pasta (8-10 minutes)
- Add shell pasta to your boiling water
- Cook according to package directions until just tender (al dente)
- Before draining, save a cup of that starchy pasta water – you might need it later!
- Drain and set aside – don’t rinse it, we want that starch to help the sauce stick
Step 4: Sear That Steak to Perfection (6 minutes)
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers
- Add seasoned steak pieces in a single layer – don’t crowd them!
- Let them sear for 2-3 minutes without moving them – this creates that beautiful golden crust
- Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until browned all over
- Remove to a plate and let them rest – they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later
Step 5: Build That Amazing Sauce (5 minutes)
- Turn heat down to medium and add butter to the same skillet
- Add minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until it smells incredible
- Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth – pour slowly while stirring
- Let it bubble gently for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken
- Watch it transform into the most beautiful creamy base
Step 6: Add the Cheese Magic (2 minutes)
- Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese a little at a time
- Stir constantly until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy
- If it seems too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper
Step 7: Bring It All Together (2 minutes)
- Add the cooked shells to your creamy sauce
- Gently toss until every shell is coated in that gorgeous sauce
- Add the seared steak back in along with any juices from the plate
- Toss everything together until it’s all beautifully combined
- Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes so the steak finishes cooking and flavors meld
Step 8: Serve and Wow Everyone!
- Divide into warm bowls or serve family-style from the skillet
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness
- Add extra Parmesan if you want – we won’t judge!
- Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy
Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results
Perfect Steak: Don’t overcook it! The steak will finish cooking when you add it back to the sauce
Sauce Secrets: If the sauce breaks or looks curdled, whisk in a splash of pasta water – it fixes everything
Pasta Power: Save that pasta water! The starch helps bind the sauce to the pasta perfectly
Heat Control: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer – high heat can make the cream separate
Make It Ahead: Cook everything but don’t combine until ready to serve for best texture
Easy Ways to Make It Your Own
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat
Veggie Boost: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers
Different Cuts: Try this with chicken breast or pork tenderloin instead
Herb Heaven: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano along with the garlic
Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream (still delicious!)
Extra Smoky: Add a dash of liquid smoke for even more depth
Recipe Quick Facts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 20 minutes
- Serves: 4 hungry people
- Difficulty: Easy with impressive results!
- One Pan: Almost – just the pasta pot and one skillet
Why This Recipe Always Delivers
This creamy paprika steak shells recipe is designed for real life and real kitchens. The steps are straightforward, the ingredients are easy to find, and the results are consistently impressive. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner game, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results every single time.
The best part? It looks and tastes like you spent hours cooking, but really only takes 30 minutes from start to finish. That’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen superstar!
What’s up comfort food lovers, let’s make dinner unforgettable – time to create some seriously amazing steak shells!
