Description

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells are a rich and smoky comfort dish combining tender seared steak, al dente pasta shells, and a luscious creamy paprika sauce. This hearty skillet meal delivers bold flavors with a smooth texture, perfect for a satisfying dinner that combines protein and pasta in one bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak and Pasta

1 lb Steak (sirloin, flank, or ribeye), sliced
8 oz Medium Shell Pasta (substitutes: cavatappi, rotini, or penne)

Sauce and Seasoning

2 tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing)
1 tbsp Butter (adds richness to the sauce)
1 small Onion, diced (aromatic depth)
3 cloves Garlic, minced (flavor enhancer)
1.5 tsp Smoked Paprika (bold, earthy flavor)
1 cup Heavy Cream (creates creamy sauce texture)
0.5 cup Beef Broth or White Wine (for deglazing and umami)
0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (salinity and richness)
Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
Optional Herbs (fresh parsley or thyme for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium shell pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set pasta aside.
Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add sliced steak and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned but still juicy. Remove steak from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter, diced onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until onions are soft and fragrant.
Add Paprika and Deglaze: Stir in smoked paprika to coat the aromatics. Pour in beef broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for added flavor.
Make the Cream Sauce: Add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and combined. Allow it to simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
Combine Pasta and Steak: Return the cooked pasta and seared steak back to the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta and steak are well coated with the creamy paprika sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it’s too thick.
Season and Garnish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting creamy paprika steak shells!

Notes

Use a high smoke point olive oil such as extra virgin or light olive oil for sautéing.
If dairy-free, substitute butter with more olive oil and use coconut cream as an alternative for heavy cream.
Pasta substitutes like cavatappi, rotini, or penne work well if you don’t have medium shell pasta.
Adjust garlic according to your taste preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
Reserved pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
Fresh herbs add brightness but can be omitted or swapped according to availability.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: paprika steak pasta, creamy steak pasta, steak shells recipe, smoky paprika sauce, comfort food pasta, skillet pasta dish, dinner with steak and pasta