Creamy Paprika Steak Shells (Print Format)

Seared steak in silky paprika sauce meets shell pasta for a cozy, flavorful skillet meal ready in 40 minutes.

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb steak (sirloin, flank, or ribeye), thinly sliced
02 - 8 oz medium shell pasta
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 tbsp butter
05 - 1 small onion, diced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1½ tsp smoked paprika or sweet paprika
08 - 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
09 - ½ cup beef broth or white wine
10 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or 4 oz cream cheese
11 - Salt and black pepper to taste
12 - Optional: Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

# Steps:

01 - Boil shell pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak slices for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add butter, remaining oil, diced onion, and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant (3–4 minutes).
04 - Stir in paprika. Deglaze with broth or wine, then add cream and Parmesan. Simmer and stir until smooth.
05 - Add pasta and steak to the sauce. Toss until fully coated. If sauce is too thick, add pasta water a splash at a time.
06 - Season to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme. Serve hot and enjoy!

# Tips:

01 - Paprika types: Use smoked for a bold, earthy flavor or sweet for a milder version.
02 - Cheese swap: Try cream cheese, Gruyère, or Boursin for variation.
03 - Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Add broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.