Creamy Steak & Shells: The Ultimate 30-Minute Dinner You’ll Make Again and Again

If you’re craving something rich, comforting, and restaurant-worthy—but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen—Creamy Steak & Shells is about to become your new favorite weeknight hero. This dish brings together tender, seared steak, perfectly cooked shell pasta, and a luxurious cream sauce that coats every bite. It’s hearty without being heavy, elegant without being complicated, and fast enough for even the busiest evenings.

Steak pasta dishes often feel like something you’d order out, but this version proves you can create a steakhouse-style pasta dinner at home in just 30 minutes. The secret is simple: high-heat searing for flavor, a quick pan sauce built from the browned bits, and pasta shells that trap the creamy sauce like little flavor pockets.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, a date night in, or just treating yourself after a long day, this recipe delivers comfort and confidence in every forkful.

---

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Steak & Shells Recipe

• Ready in 30 minutes from start to finish
• Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
• One skillet + one pot = easy cleanup
• Feels fancy enough for guests, but easy enough for Tuesday
• Customizable with veggies, spices, or different cuts of steak

---

Ingredients for Creamy Steak & Shells

Use quality ingredients here—especially the steak and cream—for the best flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta shells
• 1 lb (450 g) steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak), sliced thin
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion or shallot, finely diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup beef broth
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

---

Instructions: How to Make Creamy Steak & Shells

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shells and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season and Sear the Steak
   Pat steak slices dry and season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned but still tender. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Build the Flavor Base
   In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter, then sauté onion/shallot for 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
   Pour in beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits. Add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add Cheese & Pasta
   Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta shells and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
6. Return the Steak
   Add steak back into the skillet and gently toss with the pasta and sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through.
7. Finish & Serve
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.

---

Pro Tips for the Best Steak Pasta

• Don’t overcook the steak. It should be just seared before returning to the sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Reserve pasta water. It’s liquid gold for thinning the sauce while keeping it creamy.
• Slice steak against the grain for the most tender bites.

---

Delicious Variations

• Mushroom Steak & Shells: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
• Garlic Spinach Version: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end.
• Spicy Steak Pasta: Add more chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

---

What to Serve with Creamy Steak & Shells

• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• Roasted asparagus or broccoli
• A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon

---

Fun Food Fact

Shell pasta isn’t just cute—it’s functional! Its curved shape traps creamy sauces inside, making every bite richer and more satisfying. That’s why it’s perfect for dishes like this creamy steak pasta.

---

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth.
• Not freezer-friendly due to the cream sauce texture.

---

If you’ve been searching for a quick steak pasta recipe, a creamy beef dinner idea, or just a new way to make weeknights exciting again, this Creamy Steak & Shells recipe delivers every time. Rich, comforting, and ready in 30 minutes—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a reward at the end of the day.