If you are craving a dish that brings together bold flavors, comforting creaminess, and hearty nutrition all in one pan, the One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe perfectly balances tender, juicy steak with zesty highlights from lemon and Dijon mustard, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It’s an effortless, satisfying meal that looks stunning on the plate and tastes like you spent hours making it. Whether you need a weeknight winner or an inviting dish to impress your friends, this dish hits every note with flair and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward that memorable One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the savory steak that adds hearty protein to fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes that brighten color and texture, creating a meal that’s as vibrant as it is delicious.
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin: Thinly slicing the steak ensures quick cooking and tender bites you’ll love.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a perfect searing base for your steak, adding rich flavor and crisp edges.
- 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper: Fundamental seasonings that bring out the natural goodness of the steak and pasta.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon onion powder: These pantry staples deepen the dish’s savory profile without overpowering it.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just the right kick for those who like a little heat.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Infuses a complex umami tang to the sauce and steak.
- 3 cups beef broth: The liquid base that cooks the pasta perfectly and intensifies the beef flavor.
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta (uncooked): Choose your favorite shape to soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For that irresistible, luscious texture that makes this pasta indulgent yet comforting.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a bright zing and slight tang that balances the richness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A splash of fresh acidity to lift all the flavors.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursts of juicy sweetness that lighten each mouthful.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Adds vibrant green color and a nutritious boost.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: A fresh, herbaceous finish that dazzles at serving.
How to Make One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak
Start by seasoning your thinly sliced steak with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. These spices build the foundation of flavor. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then add the steak in a single layer to sear it. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it develops a rich, brown crust. This process not only locks in the steak’s juiciness but also creates those irresistible caramelized edges. Once seared, remove the steak and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Build the Sauce and Cook the Pasta
Using the same pan, pour in Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir well to deglaze the bottom and capture the steak’s fantastic browned bits for full flavor. Then, add your uncooked pasta, pushing it gently into the liquid. Bring this mixture to a boil, lower the heat to medium, and cover the pan. Let the pasta cook and absorb the flavors, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This should take about 10 to 12 minutes until the noodles are perfectly tender and creamy.
Step 3: Enrich the Sauce and Add Fresh Elements
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. These ingredients elevate the sauce with their sharp, creamy, and zesty notes. Return the seared steak back into the pan, along with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt just right and the tomatoes to soften slightly without losing their fresh pop. The result is a vibrant, rich, and incredibly flavorful pasta that’s truly a one-pot wonder.
How to Serve One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta just before serving. This simple garnish adds a fresh, herbal brightness and a lovely pop of green that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. You can also add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese or a light drizzle of olive oil for added gloss and flavor.
Side Dishes
This pasta packs plenty of punch on its own, but if you want an extra cozy meal, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread that’s perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or brussels sprouts also complement the steak and add balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe in rustic shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant pasta, steak, and vegetables. You might also garnish each plate with a lemon wedge on the side for an extra zesty squeeze at the table. Alternatively, offer the dish family-style in the skillet itself, inviting everyone to serve themselves straight from the pan, making for a welcoming and casual dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, but the spinach may darken a bit, so make sure to reheat gently to preserve texture and taste.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, it’s best to separate the pasta from any fresh spinach, as greens can become mushy when frozen. Place the pasta and steak mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. This helps maintain creaminess and prevents the pasta from drying out. Microwaving on medium power in short bursts also works well if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I substitute the steak for another protein?
Absolutely! Chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced, work wonderfully if you prefer a leaner or milder protein. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid drying out the meat.
Is it possible to use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne or rotini are recommended for their shape which holds onto the sauce well, but feel free to use farfalle, fusilli, or even rigatoni based on your pantry and preference.
How spicy is the pasta with crushed red pepper flakes?
The recipe delivers a gentle warmth without overwhelming heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes, making it as zesty as you like.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a creamy non-dairy milk and omit the Parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor will change slightly but still be delicious.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking during cooking?
Stirring occasionally while the pasta cooks in the sauce helps prevent sticking, and making sure there is enough liquid in the pot is key. Using a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned Dutch oven also helps tremendously.
Final Thoughts
Cooking the One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe is like inviting a warm, flavorful hug to your dinner table. It’s fast, comforting, and packed with taste that feels both special and approachable. Once you try this recipe, you’ll keep coming back for its beautiful balance of creamy richness and bright zest, not to mention how effortlessly it all comes together in a single pot. Go ahead and give it a whirl — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta is a flavorful and convenient meal featuring tender seared steak, creamy Parmesan sauce, and fresh spinach all cooked together in one skillet. It’s perfect for a quick dinner, combining zesty, spicy, and creamy elements in an easy stovetop recipe.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Cooking and Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Steak: In a bowl, mix the sliced flank or sirloin steak with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes until evenly coated with the spices.
- Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak slices and sear them until nicely browned on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: In the same pan, pour in Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the uncooked penne or rotini pasta to the boiling liquid.
- Cook the Pasta: Reduce heat to medium, cover the pan, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish the Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to create a creamy, zesty sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the seared steak to the pan, then add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta for a fresh finish. Serve the zesty steak pasta hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap spinach with kale or arugula if desired for different greens and flavors.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness.
- Add extra crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer more heat and spice in your dish.
