Here’s a delicious recipe for Creamy Paprika Steak Shells—a one-pan, creamy beef and pasta skillet that’s hearty, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.
🥩🍝 Creamy Paprika Steak Shells
Ingredients
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), cut into bite-sized strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Sear the steak
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season steak strips with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp paprika.
- Sear steak 2–3 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Cook vegetables
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and remaining paprika, sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Make the creamy sauce
- Pour in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Reduce heat slightly and stir in heavy cream.
- Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
5. Combine pasta and steak
- Return steak to the skillet.
- Add cooked pasta shells and toss to coat in creamy sauce.
- Cook 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.
6. Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan or a side salad.
⭐ Tips & Variations
- Vegetables: Mushrooms, spinach, or peas can be added for extra flavor and color.
- Spice it up: Add smoked paprika plus a pinch of cayenne for a slightly spicy kick.
- Cheese twist: Use Gruyère or mozzarella instead of Parmesan for a different creamy flavor.
- One-pan shortcut: Use pre-cooked steak or rotisserie chicken to save time.
I can also give you a Creamy Paprika Chicken Shells version or a low-carb zoodle version if you want a lighter alternative.
Do you want one of those variations?
