🥩🌶️ Creamy Paprika Steak Shells
Tender steak, smoky paprika, and creamy sauce wrapped around pasta shells — rich, comforting, and ready in about 30 minutes.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Boil shells in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2️⃣ Sear the Steak
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season steak with salt and pepper.
- Sear 2–3 minutes per side until browned (don’t overcrowd).
- Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ Build the Sauce
- In the same pan, sauté onion until soft (about 3 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in paprika and toast briefly to release flavor.
- Pour in beef broth; simmer 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in cream and simmer until slightly thickened (5 minutes).
4️⃣ Finish the Dish
- Return steak to the pan.
- Add Parmesan and stir until melted.
- Toss in pasta shells.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
🍽️ Serve With
- Garlic bread
- Simple green salad
- Steamed green beans
💡 Tips
✔ Slice steak thinly against the grain for tenderness.
✔ Smoked paprika adds depth; sweet paprika gives milder warmth.
✔ For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter at the end.
✔ Substitute chicken or mushrooms for a variation.
If you’d like, I can also give you a lighter version or a one-pot method to reduce cleanup.
