Creamy Paprika Steak Shells Recipe | Tender Steak & Pasta in Smoky Cream Sauce

Comfort in a Skillet

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth with every bite. Inspired by comforting and flavorful versions from Cooked by Sarah, Abby’s Recipes, and My Homemade Recipe, this one-skillet wonder combines tender steak, shell pasta, and a smoky paprika cream sauce that’s both rich and satisfying. It’s the perfect balance of indulgent and easy—ideal for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even a casual date-night dinner at home.

The shell pasta cradles the velvety sauce, while the steak adds hearty depth. Smoked paprika brings a subtle heat and a rustic, earthy aroma that elevates the dish from simple to special. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this recipe is a go-to for anyone craving comfort food with a gourmet twist. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, this skillet meal delivers big flavor with little fuss.

What Makes This Dish Special

What sets Creamy Paprika Steak Shells apart is its ability to deliver restaurant-quality flavor with weeknight ease. The magic lies in the smoked paprika—it infuses the sauce with a deep, smoky warmth that complements the richness of the cream and the savoriness of the steak. Unlike sweet paprika, smoked paprika adds complexity and a subtle kick that makes each bite memorable.

The creamy sauce clings to every curve of the shell pasta, ensuring a satisfying mouthful every time. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable: swap in your favorite cut of steak, try different pasta shapes, or toss in vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for added texture and nutrition.

Bold Tip: Use smoked paprika—not sweet—for the signature flavor. It’s the key to unlocking the dish’s bold, comforting character.

Ingredient List

Core Ingredients:

• 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), thinly sliced against the grain
• 8 oz shell pasta
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms or spinach
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (for umami depth)

These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy, and smoky pasta dish that’s both comforting and elegant. The steak adds protein and heartiness, while the shell pasta captures the sauce in every bite.

Bold Tip: Slice steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness and quick, even cooking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Method (based on Cooked by Sarah & Abby’s Recipes):

1. Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sear the Steak Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced steak in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics In the same skillet, add the remaining oil or butter. Sauté the chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add Paprika and Deglaze Stir in the smoked paprika and cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spice. Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
5. Make the Cream Sauce Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes smooth.
6. Combine Steak and Pasta Return the seared steak to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta shells and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
7. Season and Finish Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in any optional add-ins like mushrooms, spinach, or Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1–2 more minutes until everything is heated through.
8. Serve Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, smoky richness in every bite.

Bold Tip: Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce and help it cling to every shell.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

This dish is endlessly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your taste or pantry. Swap the steak for thinly sliced chicken breast or shrimp for a lighter protein option. Both cook quickly and pair beautifully with the smoky cream sauce.

If you don’t have shell pasta, penne or fusilli work just as well—their ridges help capture the sauce. For added nutrition and texture, stir in sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach during the final simmer.

Want deeper flavor? A splash of white wine or Worcestershire sauce adds complexity and richness to the sauce without overpowering the paprika.

Bold Tip: Grate Parmesan fresh from the block—it melts more smoothly and delivers better flavor than pre-shredded varieties.

These variations make the dish versatile enough for weekly rotation while keeping it exciting and satisfying.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

To prep ahead, cook the steak and make the sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate helps preserve the steak’s texture and prevents the sauce from thickening too much.

When reheating, warm gently over low heat and add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or curdling.

Avoid freezing this dish—the cream sauce may separate and become grainy when thawed. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerated leftovers within a few days.

These tips make it easy to enjoy this comforting meal even on your busiest nights.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple skillet meals benefit from a few key techniques. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Overcooking the steak: Thin slices cook fast—just a quick sear is enough. Overcooking leads to toughness.
• Using sweet paprika: It lacks the smoky depth that defines this dish. Always use smoked paprika.
• Skipping pasta water: This starchy liquid helps loosen the sauce and bind it to the pasta.
• Adding cheese too early: Parmesan should be added after the cream is warmed. Adding it too soon can cause clumping.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures your dish turns out creamy, flavorful, and perfectly textured every time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cut of steak? Yes! Sirloin, flank, and ribeye all work well. Just slice thinly against the grain and cook briefly to keep the meat tender.

Q2: Is this dish spicy? Not inherently. Smoked paprika adds warmth but not heat. If you want a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your beef broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Q4: What’s the best cheese for the sauce? Parmesan is the classic choice—it melts well and adds savory depth. For variation, try Gruyère for a nutty richness or Pecorino for a sharper bite.

Q5: Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, though the flavor will change. Use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative, and swap Parmesan for a plant-based cheese. The sauce may be slightly thinner, but still delicious.

These FAQs help you adapt the recipe to your preferences and dietary needs while keeping the flavor and comfort intact.

Final Thoughts: Bold Flavor, Simple Prep

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is a go-to comfort dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but comes together quickly—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a cozy dinner.

With its smoky paprika cream sauce, tender steak, and pasta that soaks up every drop, this recipe is both satisfying and versatile. Whether you stick to the classic version or explore the many flavor variations, it’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation.

One skillet, simple ingredients, and gourmet results—this dish proves that comfort food can be both easy and elevated.