If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than the Creamy Paprika Steak Shells 🔥🔥🔥 Recipe. This dish marries tender, smoky steak with luscious, velvety sauce that wraps around perfectly cooked shell pasta. Each bite bursts with comforting creaminess and just the right kick of paprika, making it an unforgettable weeknight dinner that’s easy enough to whip up any day of the week. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for cozy but crave-worthy meals.

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells 🔥🔥🔥 Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but pack serious flavor punch. Each element plays a specific role, from the hearty steak providing richness, to the smoky paprika that lends depth, and the creamy sauce that ties everything together with a silky touch.

12 oz shell pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce in every nook and cranny.
1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender and juicy, this is the hearty star of the dish.
Salt & black pepper to taste: Basic but essential, these seasonings enhance all the other flavors.
1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the steak to a delicious golden crust without sticking.
1 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps mellow the garlic’s sharpness in the sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth that complements the smoky notes.
1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: The secret weapon that brings a warm, smoky flavor and vibrant color.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, indulgent sauce that coats every shell.
1/2 cup beef broth: Adds savory depth and thins the sauce just enough for perfect consistency.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that irresistible cheesy finish.
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness to balance the richness.

How to Make Creamy Paprika Steak Shells 🔥🔥🔥 Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 12 oz of shell pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain it well and set aside—this pasta is designed to trap our creamy, smoky sauce in its curves, so getting the texture right is the first step to success.

Step 2: Season and Sear Your Steak

While your pasta cooks, generously season the steak pieces with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear the steak bites for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for a gorgeous, browned crust that locks in all that savory flavor. Once done, remove the steak from the pan and set aside—don’t skip this step as it builds the smoky backbone of the dish.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Paprika Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add a tablespoon of butter to the same skillet, letting it melt and pick up all those steak bits stuck to the bottom. Add your minced garlic and sauté gently for about a minute until fragrant but not browned—this keeps the garlic tasting bright. Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine, then let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes dreamy.

Step 4: Cheese It Up and Combine

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until it melts fully into the sauce, creating a wonderfully creamy texture that clings beautifully to the pasta. Then, add your cooked pasta and the seared steak back into the skillet. Toss everything together carefully to make sure every shell is coated in that luscious paprika cream sauce, soaking up all those rich flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Hot

Finish off this decadent dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top for a hint of freshness and inviting color. Serve this warm and watch happy faces light up at the table—it’s absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Creamy Paprika Steak Shells 🔥🔥🔥 Recipe

Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley is the classic choice to brighten the plate and cut through the richness with its herbaceous zing. Feel free to experiment by adding a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat or a little lemon zest for subtle brightness—the dish welcomes a bit of creative flair!

Side Dishes

Since the Creamy Paprika Steak Shells 🔥🔥🔥 Recipe is hearty and filling, pairing it with something light and crisp works perfectly. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with lemon and garlic will complement the bold flavors without overpowering. Of course, crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce is always a welcome sidekick too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual mini cast iron skillets or rustic bowls to maintain heat and amp up the cozy vibe. You could even set up a small garnish bar with extra paprika, fresh herbs, grated cheese, and chili flakes on the side—letting everyone customize their own bowl adds an interactive, personal touch to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can safely store any leftover Creamy Paprika Steak Shells 🔥🔥🔥 Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Just be sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the pasta from getting mushy.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but because of the creamy sauce and steak, the texture might slightly change. To freeze, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container with a tight lid, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and texture as best as possible.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring often and adding a splash of cream, broth, or water if needed to loosen the sauce. This will bring back its silky consistency without drying out the steak pieces or pasta. Microwaving works too, just cover and heat in short bursts to prevent drying.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! Sirloin and ribeye are great choices for tenderness and flavor, but flank steak or skirt steak can also work well as long as they are cut into bite-sized pieces and cooked properly to avoid toughness.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for a coconut cream or cashew cream alternative and use a dairy-free butter substitute. Nutritional yeast makes a lovely substitute for Parmesan, providing some cheesy flavor without dairy.

Can I substitute the smoked paprika with regular paprika?

Regular paprika can be used if smoked paprika isn’t available, but the dish will lose some of its signature smokiness. To mimic that depth, a tiny pinch of a smoked seasoning like chipotle powder could be added.

How spicy is this dish?

The Creamy Paprika Steak Shells 🔥🔥🔥 Recipe has a gentle warmth from the smoked paprika, but it’s not spicy-hot. You can always add chili flakes or hot sauce if you want to turn up the heat to your liking.

Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap the shell pasta for a gluten-free version such as rice pasta or corn pasta. The sauce and steak remain the same, so no compromise on flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Paprika Steak Shells 🔥🔥🔥 Recipe is a total game changer on those nights when you want something simple yet seriously satisfying. The interplay of smoky paprika, tender steak, and velvety sauce hugging pasta shells creates a dish that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as I do—your next favorite comfort food is waiting!