Smoky Creamy Paprika Steak Shells Comfort Dish

Hey y'all! If you're craving a dish that wraps you up like a cozy blanket after a long day, this Smoky Creamy Paprika Steak Shells Comfort Dish is an absolute winner. Imagine tender steak pieces nestled among cheesy pasta shells, all coated in a rich smoky paprika cream sauce—pure comfort with every bite! Whether it's a special family night, potluck, or just when you need a little food hug, this recipe always hits the spot. Let's get cooking!

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Why You'll Love This

• Hearty and Satisfying: Loaded with steak and creamy pasta, it's a true main course comfort food.
• Full of Flavor: Smoky paprika and garlic infuse a deep, warming taste that lingers deliciously.
• Easy-to-Follow: Simple steps make it weeknight-friendly with minimal fuss.
• Customizable: Adapt it for different proteins, spice levels, or cheese blends.
• Perfect Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, so dinner and lunch are sorted!

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (125g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (120ml) beef broth
• 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Directions

Prep the Pasta Shells

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the jumbo shells and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions (about 8 minutes) for al dente texture.
3. Drain, reserving ¼ cup pasta water, and set shells aside.

Cook the Steak

1. Pat steak dry, season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the steak slices for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through.
4. Remove steak from pan, cover with foil, and set aside.

Sauté the Onions and Garlic

1. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining tablespoon olive oil.
2. Sauté onions for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Add garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Build the Smoky Creamy Sauce

1. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, sweet paprika, and red pepper flakes; stir for 30 seconds.
2. Add beef broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
3. Pour in heavy cream; reduce heat to low and let it gently bubble for 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Combine & Serve

1. Add cooked shells and steak (plus any juices) into the sauce; toss well to coat everything evenly.
2. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, taste for seasoning, and adjust if needed.
3. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Notes

• Cut steak across the grain for extra tenderness.
• For extra smokiness, add ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke to the sauce.
• If reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Variations

• Chicken Swap: Substitute steak with chicken breast or thighs for a lighter option.
• Veggie Version: Omit meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
• Extra Spicy: Stir in diced jalapeños or add hot smoked paprika for a fiery kick.

Required Equipment

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large deep skillet or sauté pan
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Storage Instructions

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to maintain creaminess. Not recommended for freezing, as the sauce texture may change.

Suggested Pairings / Serving Recommendations

• Serve with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad for balance.
• Pair it with a bold red wine like Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Roasted or steamed broccoli and green beans make excellent sides.

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook the steak—keep it to just browned for juicy results.
• Freshly grate your cheese for the creamiest, melt-in sauce.
• Let the sauce gently bubble; boiling cream can split and affect texture.

FAQ

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! Flank steak or ribeye work well—just adjust cook times for thickness.

Will half-and-half work instead of heavy cream?

Yes, though the sauce will be lighter and a touch less rich—add a bit more cheese for creaminess.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Substitute gluten-free pasta shells and ensure your beef broth is certified gluten-free.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

★★★★★ 4.30 from 47 ratings

Smoky Creamy Paprika Steak Shells Comfort Dish

yield: 4 servings

prep: 20 mins

cook: 25 mins

total: 45 mins

A comforting, creamy pasta dish made with tender steak strips, smoked paprika, and shell pasta, finished with a luscious sauce for ultimate coziness.

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Ingredients

• 12 oz shell pasta
• 1 lb flank steak, sliced into thin strips
• 2 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. 1
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook shell pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. 2
   Season the steak strips with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear steak strips for 2-3 minutes, just until browned. Transfer steak to a plate.
3. 3
   Lower heat to medium, add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. 4
   Pour in beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the skillet. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until sauce thickens slightly.
5. 5
   Return steak and drained pasta shells to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
6. 6
   Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 680 caloriescal

Protein: 35gg

Fat: 32gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 62gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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