Go Back
–+ servings
Creamy Paprika Steak Shells

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells for a Cozy Weeknight Feast

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is a delightful twist on comfort food, ready in under 30 minutes with tender steak and velvety pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Shell Pasta Substitute with orecchiette or rotini if needed.
For the Steak
  • 1 lb Steak (Sirloin/Ribeye) Can replace with flank steak or chicken thighs for variety.
For the Sauce
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Fresh-cracked pepper preferred.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Avocado oil works well as a substitute.
  • 2 tbsp Butter Ghee can give a nuttier flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic yields the best results.
  • 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika Sweet paprika can be used for a milder flavor.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half can offer a lighter version.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Vegetable broth is a suitable substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano can introduce sharpness.
For Garnish
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley Introduces freshness and visual appeal.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shell pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Pat steak dry and season with salt and black pepper. Heat a skillet and add olive oil. Sear steak for 2–3 minutes per side until brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle in smoked paprika and allow it to bloom for 10–15 seconds. Stir to combine with garlic.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and beef broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer for 3–4 minutes.
  6. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  7. Return sliced steak to skillet and add cooked pasta. Toss gently and simmer together for an additional 1–2 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 28gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh garlic and high-quality smoked paprika. Adjust sauce thickness with reserved pasta water as needed.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!