Creamy Paprika Steak Shells – One-Pot Pasta with Tender Steak, Smoked Paprika, and Garlic Cream Sauce
Samantha
Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is a hearty one-pot dinner packed with flavor! Juicy seared steak pieces are tossed with tender shell pasta in a rich garlic and smoked paprika cream sauce. Perfect for weeknights when you want comfort food without the mess. Ready in just 30 minutes and full of bold, savory flavor, this pasta skillet is a must-try for steak and pasta lovers alike.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Lunch, Meal Prep
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 4
Calories 540 kcal
- 1 lb sirloin steak sliced into thin strips
- 8 oz pasta shells medium size
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Boil Pasta – Cook pasta shells in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sear Steak – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add steak strips and sear until browned. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and smoked paprika. Stir in cream and broth, bringing to a gentle simmer.
Add Parmesan – Stir in parmesan cheese and let it melt completely, forming a thick, creamy sauce.
Combine – Add cooked pasta and steak back into the skillet. Toss well to coat.
Season & Serve – Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Top with parsley and serve hot.
Secret Tips for the Best Creamy Paprika Steak Shells
1. Sear the steak first for maximum flavor: Before adding the shell pasta or starting your garlic cream sauce, give your steak a good sear in a hot pan. This locks in juices and adds deep, caramelized flavor that elevates the entire one-pot steak and pasta dinner.
2. Use smoked paprika, not sweet paprika: For that signature smoky depth in your creamy paprika steak shells, stick with smoked paprika. It complements the tender steak bites and brings balance to the richness of the cream sauce.
3. Don’t skip the garlic butter base: Start your sauce with garlic sautéed in butter. It forms the aromatic foundation of the creamy paprika garlic cream sauce and infuses the entire dish with bold, cozy flavor.
4. Add broth instead of plain water: If your shell pasta needs more liquid to cook, use beef broth. It deepens the umami profile and gives your one-pot creamy paprika shells a more developed, restaurant-style taste.
5. Let the steak rest before slicing: Whether you’re using sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak for your creamy steak pasta skillet, always let it rest before slicing. This keeps the juices in the meat and prevents a dry or chewy texture.
6. Finish with cheese for silky richness: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan or Asiago at the end. It melts smoothly into the cream sauce and gives your creamy paprika steak pasta a luscious, glossy finish.
7. Customize with veggies or heat: Want to bulk it up or add a kick? Toss in sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or a pinch of chili flakes. This turns your creamy paprika steak shells into a versatile, crowd-pleasing pasta dinner.Keyword asy steak dinner recipe, creamy paprika steak pasta, creamy steak pasta skillet, garlic paprika cream sauce, one pot creamy paprika shells, one pot steak and pasta dinner, pasta with steak and cream sauce, smoked paprika beef pasta, smoked paprika steak pasta, steak shell pasta recipe
