Creamy Paprika Steak Shells – A Rich, Comforting Pasta Dinner

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It combines tender steak, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta into one cohesive dish. It is filling, comforting, and ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions when you want something impressive yet approachable.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Steak is the star protein of this dish. Sirloin or ribeye works best because they stay tender and flavorful when cooked quickly.

Pasta shells are ideal for this recipe because they hold the creamy sauce inside, ensuring each bite is well coated.

Olive oil is used for searing the steak and building the flavor base in the pan.

Butter adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.

Garlic brings aromatic depth and enhances the savory notes of the steak and paprika.

Onion adds sweetness and balance, softening into the sauce as it cooks.

Paprika provides the signature flavor. Smoked paprika adds warmth and subtle smokiness, while sweet paprika keeps the dish balanced.

Heavy cream creates the luxurious texture of the sauce and ties all the flavors together.

Beef broth adds depth and prevents the sauce from becoming too heavy.

Parmesan cheese contributes saltiness and umami, thickening the sauce naturally.

Salt enhances all the flavors and should be adjusted to taste.

Black pepper adds mild heat and complements the paprika.

Fresh parsley adds freshness and a pop of color at the end.

Directions

Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining.

Season the steak with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak quickly until browned but still tender. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onion until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

Stir in the paprika and cook for a few seconds to release its aroma.

Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan, then add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Return the steak to the skillet along with the cooked pasta shells. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water if needed.

Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves four people.

Preparation time is about 15 minutes.
Cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Total time is around 45 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s texture.

Variations and Customizations

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is easy to customize based on taste and availability. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. I tried this once when aiming for a slightly lighter dinner, and it still delivered great flavor.

If you enjoy heat, add a pinch of hot paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.

Mushrooms make an excellent addition, adding earthiness that pairs beautifully with steak and paprika.

You can also substitute the steak with chicken or sausage for a different protein while keeping the same creamy paprika base.

For extra richness, finish the dish with a small knob of butter just before serving.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dish provides a good source of protein from the steak and energy from the pasta. While rich, it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when paired with a simple salad or vegetables.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Quick Steak Cooking
Cook the steak quickly over high heat to keep it tender.

Bloom the Paprika
Cooking the paprika briefly in fat enhances its flavor.

Sauce Consistency
Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce thickness smoothly.

FAQs

What cut of steak works best?

Sirloin or ribeye are ideal for tenderness and flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It is best fresh, but leftovers reheat well with added liquid.

Is smoked paprika necessary?

No, sweet paprika works, but smoked adds extra depth.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Milk will thin the sauce, but it can be used if needed.

What pasta shapes can I substitute?

Penne or rigatoni work well if shells are unavailable.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers are great additions.

How do I avoid overcooking the steak?

Remove it early and return it to the sauce at the end.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, simply use sweet paprika and avoid spicy additions.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce.

What should I serve with this?

A green salad or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.

Conclusion

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is a comforting, flavor-packed pasta dish that brings together tender steak and a rich, smoky cream sauce. Easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying, it is the kind of recipe that feels special yet approachable, making it perfect for both everyday dinners and relaxed entertaining.

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