Creamy Paprika Steak Shells

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If you love thick, velvety sauces and tender steak bites coated in smoky paprika, this dish will become your new obsession. It delivers all the satisfaction of a creamy Alfredo but with a deeper, warmer flavor thanks to sweet paprika, garlic, and seared beef. The pasta shells catch the sauce perfectly, giving you a little cup of flavor in every bite.

 Ingredients (4 servings)

For the Steak

  • 1 lb sirloin or ribeye, cut into small bites

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp butter

For the Creamy Paprika Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 ½ tbsp paprika

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • 2 cups beef broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan

  • 8 oz medium pasta shells

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional but amazing!)

  • Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste

  • Fresh parsley for garnish

 Instructions

1. Season & Sear the Steak

  1. Pat the steak bites dry.

  2. Toss with paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  3. Heat olive oil + butter in a large pan.

  4. Sear steak bites on high heat until browned but still tender inside (about 2–3 mins).

  5. Remove and set aside.

2. Build the Creamy Paprika Base

  1. In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter.

  2. Add onion and sauté until soft.

  3. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute.

  4. Stir in paprika and smoked paprika—this wakes up the flavor.

  5. Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer.

3. Add Pasta & Make It One-Pot Creamy

  1. Add the pasta shells directly into the broth mixture.

  2. Cover and cook 9–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the shells are tender.

  3. Pour in heavy cream and simmer until thickened.

  4. Add Parmesan and stir until silky smooth.

4. Bring It All Together

  1. Add steak back into the sauce.

  2. Simmer 1–2 minutes so everything marries beautifully.

  3. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

5. Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra pinch of smoked paprika.

 Why This Dish Is Special

✔ Steakhouse flavor in a one-pot pasta
✔ Creamy but with smoky depth from paprika
✔ Shells capture the sauce in every nook
✔ Quick—done in under 30 minutes
✔ Comfort food heaven

Chef’s Tip

For extra luxury: stir in 1 tbsp cream cheese before adding the steak. It makes the sauce unbelievably smooth!

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