This dish is rich, smoky, and ultra-comforting—tender steak bites tossed with shell pasta in a creamy paprika sauce that clings to every bite. It feels restaurant-quality but is easy enough for a weeknight.

🧺 Ingredients (Serves 4)

Steak

• 1 lb (450 g) steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Pasta & Sauce

• 12 oz (340 g) shell pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup beef broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: red pepper flakes, parsley

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook shell pasta until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Season & Sear the Steak

1. Toss steak with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat.
3. Sear steak 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
4. Remove steak and set aside (don’t overcook).

Step 3: Build the Paprika Cream Sauce

1. Lower heat to medium.
2. Melt butter in the same skillet.
3. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds.
4. Stir in sweet paprika + smoked paprika.
5. Pour in beef broth, scraping the pan.
6. Add heavy cream and simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add cooked pasta to the sauce.
2. Stir in Parmesan until melted.
3. Add steak back to the pan.
4. Toss gently; add pasta water if needed for silkiness.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

• Taste and adjust salt/pepper
• Garnish with parsley or chili flakes
• Serve hot

⭐ Pro Tips

• Use smoked paprika for depth—this is key
• High heat = better steak sear
• Don’t boil the cream—gentle simmer only
• Shell pasta holds sauce better than long pasta

🔄 Easy Variations

• 🧄 Add sautéed mushrooms or onions
• 🧀 Swap Parmesan for Gruyère
• 🌶️ Add cayenne for heat
• 🥛 Use half-and-half for lighter sauce

🍽️ Perfect With

• Garlic bread
• Simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables

If you want, I can also share:

• 🥩 Creamy pepper steak pasta
• 🍗 Paprika chicken shells
• 🧀 Ultra-cheesy version
• 🔥 One-pan version

Just tell me 😄