Creamy Paprika Steak Shells: A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Dinner

What’s up, comfort food fans? Get ready to whip up a dinner that’ll have everyone fighting for seconds! These Creamy Paprika Steak Shells are the ultimate cozy meal, featuring tender steak bites and pasta shells swimming in a smoky, creamy sauce that’s pure magic. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish transforms a regular weeknight into something extraordinary. At TastyRecipeHub.com, we’re all about bold, comforting flavors, and this recipe is a star in our eBook, 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. Let’s dive into this smoky, creamy masterpiece that’s perfect for date nights, family dinners, or treating yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Creamy Paprika Steak Shells are a must-make for comfort food lovers, offering:

• Bold Smoky Flavor: Smoked paprika adds a rich, restaurant-quality depth.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes for busy weeknights.
• Creamy Comfort: Luscious sauce coats every shell for maximum satisfaction.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family meals, date nights, or casual gatherings.
• Shareable: Ideal for X posts with #TastyRecipeHub to show off your kitchen skills.

This dish is a hearty, flavorful addition to your recipe collection, just like the bold recipes in our eBook, available for just $2.99 on Gumroad.

Ingredients

This recipe serves 4 and can be doubled for larger gatherings. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz medium shell pasta (conchiglie, perfect for holding sauce)

For the Steak:

• 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces (1-inch chunks)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste (about ½ tsp each)
• 1½ tsp smoked paprika

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large skillet
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Paper towels (for patting steak dry)
• Tongs
• Serving bowls or platter

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a smoky, creamy pasta dish that’s sure to impress.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tbsp salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Add 12 oz shell pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
3. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Set aside without rinsing to keep the starch.

Step 2: Prep the Steak

1. Pat 1 lb steak pieces dry with paper towels for a better sear.
2. In a bowl, toss the steak with ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and 1½ tsp smoked paprika until evenly coated. Set aside while the skillet heats.

Step 3: Sear the Steak

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Add the seasoned steak pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Sear for 2-3 minutes without moving to form a golden crust, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until browned.
3. Remove the steak to a plate and set aside (it will finish cooking in the sauce later).

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add 1 tbsp butter and let it melt.
2. Add 3 minced garlic cloves (or 1 tsp garlic powder) and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Slowly pour in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup beef broth, stirring constantly. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken.
4. Gradually sprinkle in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until creamy.

Step 5: Combine and Heat Through

1. Add the cooked shell pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each shell.
2. Return the seared steak and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until the steak is heated through and the flavors meld.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or smoked paprika if needed.

Step 6: Serve

1. Divide the creamy steak shells into 4 warm bowls or serve family-style from the skillet.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor.
3. Serve immediately while hot and creamy for the best experience.

Serving Suggestions

• Weeknight Dinner: Pair with a green salad or roasted asparagus for a balanced meal.
• Date Night: Serve with a glass of red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon, for a romantic vibe.
• Family Feast: Add garlic bread or dinner rolls for a hearty spread.
• Party Platter: Present in a large bowl with extra garnishes for a buffet-style gathering.

Love This Recipe? Get More in Our eBook!

If these Creamy Paprika Steak Shells have you craving more bold American dishes, check out 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. This eBook is packed with 60 recipes, like Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, and Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings, all designed for busy cooks who love big flavors. For just $2.99, download it instantly on Gumroad and elevate your meals with more crowd-pleasing classics!

Customization Options

• Spice It Up: Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers.
• Protein Swap: Use chicken breast, pork tenderloin, or shrimp instead of steak.
• Lighter Option: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream.
• Herb Variations: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano with the garlic for extra depth.
• Extra Smoky: Mix in a dash of liquid smoke or smoked salt for intensified flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
• Freezer: Freeze the cooked steak and sauce (without pasta) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
• Make-Ahead: Cook the steak and sauce up to 1 day in advance; store separately from pasta. Combine and heat through just before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 600-650 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 700mg

Why This Recipe Shines

These Creamy Paprika Steak Shells deliver restaurant-quality flavors in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for elevating any weeknight or special occasion. The smoky paprika and creamy sauce create an unforgettable dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, ideal for sharing on social media, just like the bold recipes in 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. Want more? Grab the eBook for just $2.99 on Gumroad!

Tips for Success

• Perfect Sear: Pat steak dry and don’t overcrowd the skillet for a golden crust.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserved pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency and binds it to the pasta.
• Gentle Simmer: Keep the sauce at a low simmer to prevent curdling or separating.
• Fresh Garlic: Use freshly minced garlic for the best aroma and flavor.
• Taste and Adjust: Sample the sauce before serving and tweak with salt, pepper, or more paprika as needed.

Join the Tasty Recipe Hub Community

Share your Creamy Paprika Steak Shells on X with #TastyRecipeHub for a chance to be featured! For more bold American recipes, download 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple for just $2.99 on Gumroad and follow us on Pinterest

Enjoy your smoky, creamy masterpiece!