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One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta A creamy and cheesy one-pot zesty steak pasta with penne, sautéed red bell peppers, and melted cheese, garnished with fresh herbs.

One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta

This One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta is a delicious and easy meal that combines tender steak, hearty pasta, and a zesty, flavorful sauce—all in a single pot! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is loaded with savory spices, garlic, and a touch of heat, making it a satisfying dinner option with minimal cleanup.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Steak & Pasta:

  • 1 lb (450g) steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz (340g) penne or rotini pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

For the Sauce:

  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp chili powder

For Garnish:

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon zest (optional, for extra zestiness)

Instructions

  1. Sear the Steak
    Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces and sear for 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

  2. Sauté the Aromatics
    In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. Build the Sauce
    Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavors.

  4. Cook the Pasta
    Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then add the pasta. Stir well, cover, and let it simmer over medium heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender.

  5. Combine with Steak
    Return the seared steak to the pot and mix everything together. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.

  6. Add Finishing Touches
    Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional lemon zest for extra brightness.

  7. Serve & Enjoy!
    Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, zesty steak pasta straight from the pot!

Notes

  • Best Steak Cuts: Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak work best for this recipe as they remain tender and flavorful.
  • Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to your taste. For extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce.
  • Pasta Substitutes: Use any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni.
  • Make it Lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to maintain the creamy texture.
  • Author: Sanae
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: One-Pot Cooking
  • Cuisine: American, Italian Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 620 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg