Creamy Paprika Steak Shells: A Comfort-Packed Dinner You’ll Crave
Smoky paprika, tender steak, and velvety pasta shells come together in a creamy, comfort-packed dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy cooks who still crave restaurant-quality flavor.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pasta Pot
Ingredients
Pasta & Steak
- 12 oz shell pasta Can substitute with orecchiette or rotini.
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces Sirloin = leaner, ribeye = richer; can substitute with flank steak or chicken thighs.
- salt & black pepper To taste; fresh-cracked pepper preferred.
Aromatics & Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil Avocado oil works too.
- 1 tbsp butter Ghee adds a nuttier flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives the best aroma.
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika Sub sweet paprika for milder flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream Half-and-half works for a lighter version.
- 1/2 cup beef broth Vegetable broth also works.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Pecorino Romano adds sharpness.
- fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shell pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Pat steak dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear steak for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika into the pan and stir for 10–15 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Stir in heavy cream and beef broth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. If sauce becomes too thick, adjust with pasta water.
- Return the steak and cooked shells to the pan. Toss to coat and simmer for 1–2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
For extra richness, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese. For heat, add a pinch of chili flakes.