Creamy Paprika Steak Shells

Introduction

First, thank you for being here. Truly. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy after a long day — I’m so grateful you’re spending time in the kitchen with me.

And ohhh, do I have something special for you today.

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is the kind of dinner that feels indulgent but comes together faster than takeout. We’re talking tender, juicy steak bites, perfectly cooked pasta shells, and a smoky, creamy Parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. The smell when this hits the skillet? Absolutely irresistible.

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Overview of the Recipe

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is a one-skillet wonder that delivers bold flavor in just 30 minutes. The combination of smoked paprika, garlic, cream, and Parmesan creates a rich, velvety sauce that wraps around tender steak and pasta like a warm hug.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30 minutes

• One skillet for the sauce and steak

• Family-friendly

• Restaurant-quality flavor at home

• Perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining

What Does It Taste Like?

Savory and smoky with just the right amount of creaminess. The steak is juicy and flavorful, thanks to a quick sear and a generous seasoning of paprika. The sauce? Smooth, cheesy, and luxurious without being heavy. The pasta shells scoop up every bit of that silky goodness.

It’s comfort food with a little elegance.

Benefits of This Recipe

• High in protein

• Customizable with different proteins

• Easily doubled for guests

• Great leftover potential

• Minimal cleanup

Ingredients

• 12 oz shell pasta

• 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup beef broth

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Necessary Tools

• Large pot (for pasta)

• Large skillet

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Knife and cutting board

• Colander

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

I love how flexible this recipe is!

Protein Swaps

• Boneless chicken

• Shrimp

• Sautéed mushrooms (for a vegetarian version)

Cheese Options

• Gruyère (adds depth)

• Asiago

• Extra Parmesan for ultra creaminess

Add Some Veggies

• Spinach

• Sautéed mushrooms

• Roasted red peppers

• Broccoli florets

No Smoked Paprika?

Regular paprika works just fine — you’ll just lose that subtle smoky depth.

How To Make Creamy Paprika Steak Shells

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