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One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta

One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta

One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and comforting dish combining tender steak strips and al dente pasta in a tangy, slightly spicy sauce with creamy cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers bold, savory flavors with minimal cleanup and maximum taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 8 oz sirloin or flank steak strips

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne or rotini pasta

Aromatics and Vegetables

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with chili flakes

Liquids and Fats

  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cheese and Herbs

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Seasonings

  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: extra crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then add seasoned steak strips. Cook just until browned on all sides but still juicy inside, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside to keep the meat tender.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, roughly 2-3 minutes. This builds a flavorful base for your zesty sauce.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in diced tomatoes with chili flakes along with the beef broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom, ensuring maximum flavor in the sauce.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Stir in your choice of pasta, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed, usually around 12 minutes.
  5. Return Steak and Add Cheese: Once pasta is perfectly cooked, add the reserved steak back into the pot along with shredded cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts into a creamy, zesty coating that clings to every noodle and piece of steak.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Finish with fresh herbs for a bright touch. Serve hot straight from the pot for ultimate comfort and ease.

Notes

  • Choose quality steak: Using a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye will yield juicier results.
  • Don’t overcook steak: Sear quickly to lock in juices and keep meat tender when added back at the end.
  • Reserve some pasta water: Keep a splash for adjusting sauce consistency if it gets too thick.
  • Use fresh herbs: They brighten the final dish and prevent it from tasting heavy.
  • Adjust spice levels: Customize amount of chili flakes or add hot sauce for personal heat preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot, steak pasta, zesty pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, cheesy pasta, gluten free pasta option, easy dinner