Description: A creamy, zesty, and comforting one-pot pasta dish featuring tender steak, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich tomato-cream sauce, all made in a single pot for easy cleanup! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak), sliced thinly against the grain
- 12 oz penne pasta (or rigatoni, rotini, or your favorite short pasta shape)
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned diced tomatoes, or fresh tomatoes diced)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (a blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. This ensures a good sear and flavorful meat. Slice the steak thinly against the grain. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak more tender when cooked.
Step 2: Sauté the Steak: In a large, deep pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced steak in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot). Sear the steak for 1-2 minutes per side, or until browned. Do not overcook at this stage, as the steak will continue to cook in the sauce. Remove the steak from the pot and set aside. This step is crucial for developing a deep, savory flavor in the dish.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 4: Build the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits (fond) are packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the pot. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. If necessary, add a little more beef broth or water. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 6: Combine and Finish: Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the cooked steak and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve: Serve the One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese is always a welcome addition.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- One-Pot Wonder: The biggest appeal of this recipe is that it’s made entirely in one pot, minimizing cleanup and making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish can be on the table in under 30 minutes, making it a convenient option for a satisfying meal.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of tender steak, creamy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a flavor explosion that will leave you feeling completely satisfied.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by using different types of steak, pasta, or vegetables. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in or a quick and easy weeknight meal.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Extremely Easy)
- Flavor: 5/5 (Excellent)
- Overall: 5/5 (Highly Recommended)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course for lunch or dinner.
- Pair with a simple side salad for a complete meal. A Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette would be a great complement.
- Crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- A glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, would pair well with the steak and tomato sauce.
Tips:
- Use High-Quality Steak: The quality of the steak will significantly impact the flavor of the dish. Choose a cut that is tender and flavorful, such as sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak.
- Don’t Overcook the Steak: Be careful not to overcook the steak, as it will become tough and dry. Cook it just until browned on both sides, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more beef broth or water. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt more smoothly and have a better flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the steak with mushrooms or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 650-750 per serving
- Protein: 45-55g per serving
- Sodium: 800-1000mg per serving
Conclusion:
This One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta is a winner! It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender steak, creamy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta is simply irresistible. Plus, the one-pot convenience makes cleanup a breeze. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new family favorite! It’s a fantastic base for variations and easy to tailor to individual preferences. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Absolutely! While the recipe calls for penne or rigatoni, you can use any short pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini, farfalle (bowties), or cavatappi. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may require slightly different cooking times. Check the package directions for the specific pasta you choose.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time, but keep in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits. To prevent the pasta from becoming too soft, slightly undercook it when making it ahead of time. When reheating, you may need to add a little more beef broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Can I freeze this pasta dish?
- While you can freeze this pasta dish, the texture of the pasta and sauce may change slightly upon thawing. The pasta may become a bit softer, and the sauce may separate slightly. To minimize these effects, cook the pasta al dente and allow the dish to cool completely before freezing. Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
- The possibilities are endless! Some great additions include sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers (any color), zucchini or squash, spinach (add it at the very end), or sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic for best results.
- I don’t have heavy cream. Can I use something else?
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk. However, the sauce will be less rich and creamy. You can also add a tablespoon of butter or cream cheese to the sauce to help thicken it and add richness. For a lighter option, consider using a cashew cream (blend soaked cashews with water until smooth).
