The sizzle of steak hitting a hot skillet is a sound that sends shivers of anticipation down my spine. Pairing it with tender shells in a creamy paprika sauce elevates a simple weeknight meal to a comforting dish that warms the soul. Picture this: a cozy evening, the aroma of rich, smoky flavors wafting through your home, and dinner on the table in just 40 minutes. Whether you’re a busy parent juggling work and family or someone simply craving a delightful homemade dinner, these creamy paprika steak shells offer the perfect solution.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Not only does it satisfy with tender steak, but it can easily accommodate chicken, plant-based proteins, or even seasonal veggies for those looking to make it their own. Who knew you could create such luxurious comfort food so quickly? Let’s dive into this delicious bowl of rich and smoky goodness!
Why Will You Adore Creamy Paprika Steak Shells?
Simplicity: This recipe is a breeze, taking under 40 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Rich Flavors: With smoky paprika and tender steak, every bite is a comforting embrace for your taste buds.
Versatile Options: Easily swap steak for chicken or plant-based proteins, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy!
Perfectly Cozy: Ideal for family dinners or cozy date nights, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Time-Saving Tips: Reheat leftovers beautifully to enjoy this culinary delight again, with minimal fuss.
Pairing Suggestions: Serve alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Creamy Paprika Steak Shells Ingredients
For the Steak
• Steak – Choose lean cuts like sirloin or ribeye for tenderness and flavor.
For the Pasta
• Medium Shell Pasta – Great for holding the creamy sauce; you can swap with cavatappi or rotini if desired.
For the Sauce
• Olive Oil – Perfect for sautéing, thanks to its high smoke point.
• Butter – Adds richness; replace with olive oil for a dairy-free version.
• Onion – Diced to build flavor; shallots can serve as a milder substitute.
• Garlic – Minced for aromatic flair; feel free to adjust to your taste.
• Smoked Paprika – This is the key ingredient providing a bold, smoky flavor; sweet paprika works as an alternative.
• Heavy Cream – Creates a luscious, creamy texture; cream cheese can substitute for a different experience.
• Beef Broth or White Wine – Adds depth to the sauce; consider vegetable broth for a lighter touch.
• Grated Parmesan – Contributes a salty, cheesy flavor; try cream cheese or a sharper cheese instead.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Added to taste for balanced seasoning.
For Garnish
• Fresh Herbs (optional) – Parsley or thyme add a touch of freshness to your dish.
These ingredients come together to create the ultimate Creamy Paprika Steak Shells, bringing rich and smoky comfort in every delightful bite!
How to Make Creamy Paprika Steak Shells
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the medium shell pasta according to package directions until al dente. Remember to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining for later use!
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Sauté the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced steak and sauté until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest on a plate.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium, and in the same skillet, melt the butter. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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Build the Sauce: Stir in the smoked paprika, allowing it to toast slightly, then deglaze the pan with beef broth or white wine. Let it simmer for a few minutes before whisking in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Combine: Return the rested steak to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding the reserved pasta water gradually to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
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Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve your creamy paprika steak shells hot for a comforting meal!
Optional: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Creamy Paprika Steak Shells Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists and substitutions to make the dish truly yours!
- Chicken Swap: Replace steak with sliced chicken breast or thighs for a lighter, yet equally satisfying dish.
- Plant-Based Protein: Use tofu or tempeh, marinated and sautéed, for a tasty, meat-free alternative that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Opt for gluten-free pasta varieties to ensure everyone can savor this creamy delight without concerns.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in seasonal vegetables like colorful bell peppers or fresh spinach during the last moments of cooking for added nutrition and vibrancy.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes during cooking to introduce a delightful heat that contrasts with the creamy sauce.
- Dairy-Free Creaminess: Substitute heavy cream with rich coconut cream for a luscious, dairy-free option that still keeps the silky texture.
- Smoky Variation: Experiment with chipotle powder or adobo sauce to infuse a smoky heat that takes this dish to another level.
- Cheese Alternatives: Instead of Parmesan, try nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cheesy flavor that pleases any palate.
Whatever your taste, you can easily create a unique version that suits your family’s preferences!
Expert Tips for Creamy Paprika Steak Shells
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Slice Thinly: Cut steak into thin slices for even cooking and maximum tenderness, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful.
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Pasta Perfection: Always cook pasta al dente; it will absorb some sauce and finish cooking when mixed, retaining that perfect bite.
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Gradual Mixing: Add reserved pasta water slowly to the sauce, stirring gently to find the right thickness without making it too runny.
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Flavor Boosting: Don’t forget to scrape any browned bits from the skillet while deglazing—these add incredible depth to your creamy paprika steak shells.
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Smooth Bliss: If the sauce curdles, just whisk in a bit of warm broth or water. This will bring back the creamy consistency we all love!
What to Serve with Creamy Paprika Steak Shells?
A cozy dinner isn’t complete without perfect side dishes to complement your main meal.
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Garlic Bread: This classic side offers a crunchy contrast to the creamy texture of the steak shells, making each bite a delight. The rich, buttery flavor enhances the smoky notes of the dish, creating a memorable dining experience.
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Crispy Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette adds brightness and a refreshing crunch, cutting through the creaminess beautifully. It balances the richness of the creamy paprika steak shells while providing a light and healthy option.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers offers a sweet and savory complement to the dish. Their caramelized goodness not only enhances flavor but also adds vibrant color to the plate.
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Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw with tangy dressing introduces a delightful crunch and acidity, perfectly contrasting the savory steak shells. It’s also a great way to bring extra texture and a bit of freshness to your meal.
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Red Wine: A glass of smooth red wine enhances the heartiness of the dish. A medium-bodied option like Merlot pairs wonderfully, enhancing the smoky flavors of the steak while offering a richer dining experience.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For those who crave a little extra comfort, creamy mashed potatoes are always a win. Their buttery richness complements the dish, soaking up the delightful sauce and providing a familiar warmth to your meal.
Proper Storage for Creamy Paprika Steak Shells
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This ensures your creamy paprika steak shells stay fresh and delicious!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to preserve texture.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to restore that creamy sauce consistency you love.
Portioning: Consider dividing into single servings before freezing, making it easy to enjoy a comforting meal anytime without defrosting the entire batch.
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Paprika Steak Shells are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare your steak by slicing it up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to retain its moisture and tenderness. The sauce can be made ahead of time as well; store it for up to 3 days in the fridge, covering it tightly to prevent any flavor loss. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop, add the cooked pasta, and toss with the steak to bring everything together. This simple pre-prep allows you to enjoy a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort on busy evenings!
Creamy Paprika Steak Shells Recipe FAQs
What kind of steak should I use for creamy paprika steak shells?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using lean cuts such as sirloin, flank, or ribeye. These choices offer great tenderness and flavor that elevate the dish. If you prefer a milder taste, flank steak is particularly excellent for this recipe.
How can I store leftover creamy paprika steak shells?
Very simple! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat gently on the stovetop. To maintain that creamy texture, add a splash of broth or water as it heats.
Can I freeze creamy paprika steak shells?
Yes, you can! For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. I suggest cooling the dish completely before freezing to preserve its texture. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stove.
What if my sauce curdles while cooking?
No worries at all! If the sauce curdles, you can easily fix it. Whisk in a splash of warm broth or water until it becomes smooth again. Make sure to stir continuously over low heat to help combine the ingredients and restore that lovely creamy consistency.
Are there gluten-free options for creamy paprika steak shells?
Indeed! If you’re looking for gluten-free options, simply substitute the medium shell pasta with gluten-free varieties, which are widely available. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as cooking times may vary from regular pasta.
Can I use a different protein or make it plant-based?
The more the merrier! You can absolutely substitute steak for chicken breast or thighs for a lighter dish. Alternatively, for a plant-based option, tofu or tempeh works beautifully as a protein source. Just sauté them until golden for added texture!
Creamy Paprika Steak Shells Rich and Smoky Comfort Made Easy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the medium shell pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add sliced steak and sauté until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and let the steak rest.
- Lower heat to medium, and in the same skillet, melt butter. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in smoked paprika, then deglaze with beef broth or white wine. Let it simmer for a few minutes before whisking in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth.
- Return the rested steak to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.