Creamy Paprika Steak Shells – Quick & Flavorful Skillet Dinner

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the steak. Season the steak with salt, black pepper, and half of the smoked paprika. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces and sear them for 2–3 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the garlic. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can make the sauce bitter.
4. Make the sauce. Add the remaining smoked paprika to the skillet, followed by the heavy cream and beef broth. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
5. Combine steak and pasta. Return the seared steak to the skillet and stir it into the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to combine, ensuring that all of the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.
6. Garnish and serve. Once everything is combined and the pasta is well-coated, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for garnish, then serve immediately while hot.

Serving Notes

This dish is rich and filling on its own but can be paired with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a more complete meal. If you’re looking for extra richness, a slice of garlic bread on the side would be a perfect complement. This recipe also works well for leftovers, as the flavors continue to meld and develop overnight.

Prep Time: 10 minutes  |  Cook Time: 20 minutes  |  Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4  |  Calories: Approx. 500 kcal per serving