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Creamy Paprika Steak Shells

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A quick and comforting family dinner featuring tender sirloin steak slices in a smoky paprika cream sauce served over pasta shells. Easy to make and perfect for cozy nights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) sirloin steak, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped (or 1/4 cup onion)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 12 oz (340 g) medium pasta shells (conchiglie)
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley or chives, chopped; extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Pat steak slices dry with paper towels. Toss with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
  3. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak slices in a single layer and sear 1-2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped shallot to the skillet and sauté 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream, scraping up browned bits. Add Dijon mustard, grated Parmesan, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens (3-4 minutes). Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
  6. Return steak to skillet and toss gently in sauce. Add cooked pasta shells and stir to coat evenly. Heat through 1-2 minutes without overcooking.
  7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Dry steak slices thoroughly before seasoning to ensure a good sear. Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing steak to prevent steaming. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Keep sauce warm but do not boil to prevent separation. Let steak rest briefly after searing to retain juiciness. For gluten-free, use chickpea pasta shells or zucchini noodles. For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy paprika steak shells, comfort food, family dinner, quick recipe, creamy pasta, steak recipe, paprika sauce

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