Here’s a rich, cozy Creamy Paprika Steak Shells recipe—tender steak, smoky paprika cream sauce, and pasta shells that soak up every bit of flavor 🥩🍝✨
🍝 Creamy Paprika Steak Shells
Ingredients (4 servings)
Steak
- 1 lb (450 g) sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Pasta & Sauce
- 12 oz (340 g) medium pasta shells
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- ½ cup beef broth
- ¾–1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Optional: ¼ tsp cayenne (for heat)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta
- Boil shells in salted water until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season & sear steak
- Toss steak with olive oil, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear in a hot skillet over high heat 1–2 minutes per side until browned.
- Remove and set aside.
- Build the sauce
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet.
- Sauté onion until soft (2–3 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in paprika(s) and cayenne if using.
- Deglaze & cream
- Pour in beef broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Add cream and simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine
- Stir in Parmesan.
- Add pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
- Return steak to skillet and gently toss until coated and warmed through.
- Serve
- Garnish with parsley or chives.
- Serve immediately.
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Ultra-creamy: Add 1–2 tbsp cream cheese or sour cream
- Hungarian-style: Use all sweet paprika and finish with sour cream
- Mushroom add-in: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion
- Lighter option: Use half-and-half and extra broth
🍽️ Perfect With
- Simple green salad
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls
If you want, I can also give you:
- 🔥 Spicy paprika steak shells
- 🍄 Creamy mushroom paprika version
- 🥘 One-pan version
- 🇭🇺 Hungarian-inspired paprikás twist
Just tell me which one!
