Creamy Paprika Steak Shells

Looking for a pasta dish that feels indulgent yet approachable? These Creamy Paprika Steak Shells are the answer. Tender strips of steak are tossed with pasta shells in a silky, paprika-infused cream sauce, then finished with Parmesan and fresh herbs. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cozy dinners when you want something special without hours in the kitchen.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Rich & Creamy – The sauce combines beef broth, cream, and paprika for a velvety texture and deep flavor.
• Steakhouse Flair at Home – Tender seared steak adds elegance to a simple pasta night.
• Comfort + Elegance – Cozy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for date night.
• Customizable – Swap the protein or add veggies to suit your taste.

🥘 Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz medium pasta shells
• Salt (for pasta water)

For the Steak:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced across the grain
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Paprika Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1–1½ teaspoons smoked paprika (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

2. Cook the Steak

1. In a bowl, toss the steak slices with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the steak 2–3 minutes per side until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
4. Slowly whisk in beef broth, then add cream, tomato paste, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
5. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in Parmesan, then taste and adjust with salt and pepper.

4. Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce, stirring to coat.
2. Return steak to the pan and toss everything together.
3. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

5. Serve

• Spoon into bowls, garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve immediately.

💡 Tips for Success

• Use smoked paprika for depth—regular paprika gives a milder, sweeter flavor.
• Keep steak tender by searing quickly at high heat, not overcooking.
• Add veggies like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra layers of flavor.

🍗 Variations

Chicken Version:

• Swap steak for 1 lb chicken breast or thighs (thinly sliced).
• Season and sear as you would the steak.

Vegetarian Version:

• Replace steak with sliced mushrooms (cremini or portobello) or roasted cauliflower.
• Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

🍴 Final Thoughts

This Creamy Paprika Steak Shells recipe is comfort food at its finest—creamy, hearty, and brimming with bold flavors. Whether you stick with the steakhouse-inspired version, try it with chicken, or keep it vegetarian, this dish is sure to become a repeat favorite at your dinner table.