Creamy Paprika Steak Shells
Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is a cozy skillet dinner featuring tender steak and pasta shells wrapped in a silky, paprika-scented cream sauce. Every forkful is a blend of silky, savory sauce and juicy bites of steak, with that gentle smoky aroma curling up from the pan it smells like comfort after a long day.
I first made this on a chilly weeknight, hoping to cheer up a friend, and the warmth in every bite felt just like a kitchen hug. What makes this version extra special is how the smoked paprika brings a rich depth, while a splash of cream transforms everything into pure comfort ready in under 40 minutes, no fuss or fancy tricks needed. I can’t wait for you to taste how simple, satisfying, and soul-soothing these shells truly are.
Why You’ll Love These Cozy Shells
- Creamy comfort in every forkful – The rich, silky paprika sauce clings to every shell and slice of steak, wrapping you in savory warmth from the first bite on chilly evenings.
- Nostalgia with a twist – These shells are what you’d imagine if your favorite creamy pasta and a steakhouse classic had a heart-to-heart at the dinner table familiar, yet just a little bit new and special.
- Buttery pasta meets juicy steak – Golden pasta shells soak up all that luscious, paprika-kissed sauce, paired with tender bites of steak that make each bowl feel like a real treat.
- Perfect for any night – Whether it’s a rainy Tuesday or a weekend gathering, these welcoming flavors make both ordinary and special occasions feel a little cozier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Steak – Use a juicy cut like sirloin, flank, or ribeye. Steak is the star, offering tender bites tucked into every creamy shell.
- Medium Shell Pasta – The perfect little “boats” for catching every drop of creamy sauce. Shells provide a satisfying bite but feel free to swap in cavatappi, rotini, or penne if that’s what you have.
- Olive Oil – For browning your steak and building a richer flavor base in the skillet.
- Butter – Adds a layer of velvety richness to the sauce. Swap for more olive oil if you’re dairy-free.
- Onion – Brings a gentle, homey sweetness and pretty, savory depth.
- Garlic – The special touch that fills your kitchen with that mouthwatering, cozy aroma.
- Smoked Paprika – The flavor maker: sweet, earthy, and gently smoky. It’s the backbone of the sauce.
- Heavy Cream – Delivers silky creaminess and lets the paprika shine.
- Beef Broth or White Wine – For deglazing the pan and adding a subtle lift of savory umami.
- Parmesan Cheese – Cheese brings salty richness and helps thicken the sauce just right.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Absolutely essential for heightening flavor, customized to your taste.
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Thyme) – For brightness, color, and a kiss of garden-fresh flavor that wakes up the whole dish.
How to Make Creamy Paprika Steak Shells
- Boil the Shells
Start by cooking your pasta shells in a big pot of salted water. When they’re perfectly tender and chewy, reserve a splash of the pasta water, then drain and set aside. - Sear the Steak
Heat a swirl of olive oil in a sturdy skillet until shimmering. Add sliced steak and listen for that satisfying sizzle sear just long enough for each piece to get golden edges but stay juicy inside.
- Sauté the Aromatics
Lower the heat and add butter, diced onion, and garlic to the pan. Stir gently as their sweet, savory aroma fills the kitchen and the onions become soft and glossy. - Build the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle in smoked paprika, then pour in broth or wine to deglaze all the tasty brown bits. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, letting the sauce thicken until it coats the back of your spoon. - Combine and Finish
Toss the cooked shells and steak into the sauce. If it’s too thick, swirl in a little pasta water. Every shell should be luxuriously coated and gently steaming. - Season and Garnish
Add salt, pepper, and fresh herbs to taste. Ladle into bowls and serve hot this is nostalgia in every bite.
Want to try another twist? Peek at these Garlic Parmesan Steak Shells for more creamy pasta magic!
Tips for the Best Results
- Opt for tender steak cuts: Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak all work beautifully, but ribeye brings extra buttery texture. For ultra-tender bites, slice your steak thinly against the grain.
- Keep your sauce silky: To avoid a grainy or split sauce, lower the heat before adding in the cream and cheese, and stir gently. Rushing this step can make the dairy seize instead of blending into that dreamy, creamy sauce.
- Perfect your creamy cling: A splash of the reserved pasta water helps the sauce hug every shell for that glossy, restaurant-style finish. The starchy liquid transforms the sauce from heavy to luscious in seconds.
- Don’t skip fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or thyme just before serving wakes up the whole dish with a pop of color and freshness. The aroma by the stovetop will remind you why comfort food like this never goes out of style.
- Explore more creamy steak inspo: If you love flavors like this, visit my Creamy Ribeye Steak for another cozy dinner idea!
Variations & Substitutions
Mushroom or Chicken Twist: For a vegetarian spin, swap out steak for hearty mushrooms try cremini or portobello for a deeply savory bite. Chicken breast or thighs also soak up that paprika cream beautifully, keeping things tender.
Turn Up the Warmth: If you love a gentle kick, stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne. The smoky heat pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and turns up the coziness.
Pick Your Pasta: Don’t have shells? Penne or rotini work just as well, catching all the luscious sauce in their nooks and crannies.
Dairy-Free or Gluten-Free: Use a plant-based cream and dairy-free butter, plus your favorite gluten-free pasta, for a dish that’s just as comforting.
Craving more ideas? If you enjoy how flexible these flavors can be, you might love Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi for even more cozy inspiration!
How to Store Leftovers
- Fridge Freshness: Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. Creamy Paprika Steak Shells stay delicious for up to three days without losing their velvety texture.
- Freezing for Later: Want to save some comfort for a rainy day? Portion into freezer-safe containers. The sauce will freeze well, though the pasta may soften a bit after thawing.
- Gentle Reheating: For the creamiest results, reheat slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. Microwave in short bursts if you’re in a hurry.
- Avoid Overcooked Pasta: When reheating, stop as soon as the shells are hot over-cooking can make them mushy.
- More Cozy Soup Ideas: For another freezer-friendly comfort classic, check out Creamy Steak Potato Peppercorn Soup for inspiration!
Perfect Pairings
- Mixed Green Salad: A crisp salad with baby greens, shaved fennel, and a lemony vinaigrette brightens up each creamy, paprika-scented bite.
- Roasted Veggies: Tender asparagus or caramelized Brussels sprouts echo the homey vibe while adding subtle sweetness and color to your plate.
- Warm Crusty Bread: Nothing beats tearing into a loaf of warm sourdough or ciabatta to soak up extra sauce trust me, you’ll want every last drop!
- Cozy Soup Starter: For the ultimate comforting spread, pair with a mug of Creamy Chicken Mushroom Soup and watch your worries melt away.
- Homey Drinks: A glass of light red wine, herby lemonade, or even just lemony sparkling water makes every forkful feel like a treat.
- Garlic Parmesan Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed with a sprinkle of parmesan round out the meal in the loveliest, buttery way.
Creamy Paprika Steak Shells
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook the medium shell pasta until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining and setting the shells aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and heat until shimmering. Cook the sliced steak for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and add butter, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in smoked paprika, then pour in the beef broth or white wine to de-glaze the pan. Add heavy cream and grated Parmesan, stirring until well combined and the sauce is smooth. Simmer gently for a few minutes until thickened.
- Toss the cooked pasta and seared steak back into the skillet, ensuring everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Can I make Creamy Paprika Steak Shells ahead of time?
Absolutely you can prep this cozy dish a day in advance. Just keep the pasta and sauce separate for best texture. When it’s time to serve, gently reheat the sauce, toss with freshly warmed shells, and savor those comforting, velvety flavors all over again.
What cut of steak works best for this recipe?
Sirloin, ribeye, and flank steak all play beautifully with the creamy sauce, but I love ribeye for its buttery richness and tender bite. Thinly slice against the grain for juicy, melt-on-your-tongue steak with every forkful.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
No worries you can swap the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative and use vegan butter for that signature silkiness. Choose a dairy-free parmesan too. You’ll still get a creamy, paprika-kissed comfort meal that feels just as warm and special.
Can I add vegetables to Creamy Paprika Steak Shells?
Yes! Mushrooms, baby spinach, or roasted peppers tuck right into the sauce and add garden-fresh color and flavor. Stir them in just before serving for an extra pop of coziness that feels truly homey and nourishing.
