Creamy Paprika Steak Shells

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Creamy Paprika Steak Shells: A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Pasta Dish

If you’re looking for a meal that feels both hearty and indulgent, Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is the perfect choice. This dish brings together tender strips of steak, perfectly cooked pasta shells, and a rich, smoky paprika cream sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that feels restaurant-quality but is surprisingly simple to make at home.

Below, you’ll find a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating this delicious dish from scratch.

🥩 Ingredients

For the steak:

300–400g steak (sirloin or ribeye works best)
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the pasta:

250g pasta shells
Water (for boiling)
Salt

For the creamy paprika sauce:

1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (plus extra to taste)
½ teaspoon sweet paprika
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup beef broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Optional: chili flakes for a slight kick

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Start by patting the steak dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the meat while tying it into the sauce later.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, place the steak in the pan and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side (depending on thickness and desired doneness).

Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This helps retain its juices. After resting, slice it into thin strips.

Step 2: Cook the 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 the pasta and set it aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet used for the steak (this keeps all those flavorful bits), melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.