Get ready to dive into the delicious world of Creamy Paprika Steak Shells, where tender pasta shells meet a luscious, paprika-infused cream sauce and juicy steak pieces. This dish blends the warmth of smoky spices with the comfort of creamy textures, delivering a flavorful dinner that feels both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe promises a perfect balance of richness and savory goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Flavorful: The creamy paprika sauce offers a smoky depth that wraps around each pasta shell, making every bite unforgettable.
Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe fits well into busy weeknights or weekend treats.
Comfort Food with a Twist: Classic creamy pasta meets bold paprika seasoning, turning a familiar dish into something exciting.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Delicious enough for a special dinner yet easy enough for casual meals.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the dish to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Paprika Steak Shells recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From tender steak to aromatic paprika and rich cream, the combination is simple yet delivers impressive results.

Steak: Choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye, sliced thin for quick cooking and juicy bite-sized pieces.
Pasta Shells: Medium-sized pasta shells capture the creamy sauce perfectly, giving you the ideal mouthful every time.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and vibrant reddish hue to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: The base of the sauce for a rich, velvety texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
Garlic & Onion: Classic aromatics that deepen the overall flavor with subtle savory notes.
Butter & Olive Oil: Used for sautéing steak and aromatics to ensure a luscious finish and balanced richness.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty dimension to the sauce and helps thicken it slightly.
Fresh Parsley: For a pop of freshness and color when serving.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors without overpowering.

Variations for Creamy Paprika Steak Shells

This recipe’s flexibility lets you easily tailor it to your taste or dietary needs without losing its signature comfort and flavor.

Vegetarian Version: Replace steak with sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables for a meat-free delight.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the paprika sauce for extra heat.
Different Protein: Swap steak with chicken breast or shrimp for quick alternatives.
Low-Fat Option: Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to lighten the sauce.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate thyme or smoked rosemary to enhance the smoky flavor profile.

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells Recipe That Impresses Every Time

How to Make Creamy Paprika Steak Shells

Step 1: Prepare and Cook Pasta Shells

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat a blend of butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This base will enrich the sauce flavor wonderfully.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Increase heat to medium-high and add the sliced steak pieces to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, searing the meat quickly for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned but still tender inside. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Paprika Sauce

Reduce heat to medium, pour in the heavy cream, and whisk in additional smoked paprika for intensified flavor. Stir continuously while letting it simmer gently to thicken, then add grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return steak to the skillet, fold in cooked pasta shells, and toss until every shell is generously coated in the creamy paprika sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Paprika Steak Shells

Choose Steak Wisely: Opt for tender cuts and slice against the grain for a softer bite.
Don’t Overcook the Steak: Keep it juicy by cooking quickly and removing from heat just before fully done.
Use Fresh Paprika: Fresh, good-quality smoked paprika makes all the difference in flavor.
Reserve Pasta Water: Starchy pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency without thinning flavor.
Simmer Gently: Let the sauce thicken slowly to avoid curdling or burning the cream.

How to Serve Creamy Paprika Steak Shells

Garnishes

Add a touch of brightness with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. A little cracked black pepper adds appealing contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve this rich dish alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the creaminess and add refreshing textures to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider plating the steak shells in individual bowls with a sprinkle of smoked paprika for visual appeal, or serve with crusty garlic bread on the side for dipping into that irresistible sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it a great next-day meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creamy texture if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of shells?

Absolutely! While shells hold the sauce nicely, penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle can work well in this recipe.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

You can substitute with regular paprika, though the smoky depth will be milder. Adding a dash of liquid smoke can help mimic the flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, Creamy Paprika Steak Shells freeze beautifully, making it a convenient make-ahead meal option.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce a bit longer or stir in a small amount of grated Parmesan to help thicken and enrich the texture.

Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply use gluten-free pasta shells, and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells are a true crowd-pleaser, combining comfort food vibes with exciting flavors in a way that’s sure to impress every time you make it. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a special occasion, this dish brings warmth, richness, and a touch of smoky magic to your table. Give it a try, and watch your kitchen fill with satisfying aromas and delighted smiles!

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Fusion
Diet: Contains dairy and meat; can be adapted to vegetarian or gluten-free

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells combines tender steak pieces with medium pasta shells in a luscious, smoky paprika-infused cream sauce. This comforting yet flavorful dish is quick to prepare and perfect for both casual weeknights and special occasions, delivering a rich, savory meal that delights the senses.

Instructions

Prepare and Cook Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency if needed.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
Cook the Steak: Increase heat to medium-high. Add the steak pieces to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear the meat for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but still tender inside. Remove steak and set aside.
Create the Creamy Paprika Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Whisk in additional smoked paprika to intensify flavor. Let the sauce simmer gently while stirring to thicken. Add grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked steak to the skillet and fold in the cooked pasta shells. Toss well to ensure every shell is coated in the creamy paprika sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Choose tender steak cuts like sirloin or ribeye and slice against the grain for a softer bite.
Avoid overcooking the steak to keep it juicy.
Use fresh, high-quality smoked paprika for the best smoky flavor.
Reserve pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
Simmer the sauce gently to prevent curdling or burning the cream.