Creamy Paprika Steak Shells

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### 🛒 Ingredients

**For the steak:**

* 1 lb sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into bite-sized strips
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

**For the sauce & pasta:**

* 8 oz medium pasta shells
* 1 small onion, finely chopped
* 3 garlic cloves, minced
* 1½ tsp sweet paprika (or smoked paprika for a smoky kick)
* ½ tsp onion powder
* ½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional for heat)
* 2 cups beef broth
* 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Fresh parsley, for garnish

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### 🍳 How to Make It

#### **1. Cook the Pasta**

Boil the pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

#### **2. Sear the Steak**

Season sliced steak with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and sear steak in batches until browned and just cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

#### **3. Build the Sauce**

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté the onions until soft. Stir in garlic, paprika, onion powder, and crushed red pepper (if using). Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

#### **4. Simmer It Down**

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add cream and stir until well combined. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

#### **5. Stir It All Together**

Add the cooked pasta shells and steak back into the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Add Parmesan and stir until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.

#### **6. Garnish and Serve**

Top with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of cheese if you like. Serve hot!

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### 🍽️ Serving Suggestions

* Pair with a crisp **green salad** or **roasted vegetables**
* Serve with **garlic bread** to soak up any leftover sauce
* Pour a glass of red wine (like Cabernet or Merlot) for a classy pairing

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### 🔁 Tips & Variations

* **Want it lighter?** Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream
* **Add veggies:** Mushrooms, spinach, or peas work great here
* **Spice it up:** Use hot paprika or cayenne for extra heat
* Swap steak for **ground beef, chicken, or meatless crumbles** if you prefer

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### 🧊 Leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to **3 days**. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

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### ❤️ Final Thoughts

Creamy Paprika Steak Shells are the perfect mashup of indulgent and easy — a dish that feels luxurious without requiring hours in the kitchen. With just one skillet and a handful of pantry ingredients, you’ve got a meal that’s bound to become a new family favorite.

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**Tried this recipe?** Share your delicious results and tag it with **#PaprikaSteakShells** — we’d love to see your cozy creations!

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