If you love comfort food that comes together with minimal fuss but maximum flavor, you’ll adore this One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta. Picture tender steak seared to perfection, cozy pasta nestled in a creamy, tomato-flecked sauce, and the perfect kiss of Italian seasoning—a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion every time. From the savory depth of the beef broth to the brightness of fresh basil on top, every bite of this dish is as easy as it is irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose, helping to layer on robust flavors, luscious textures, and eye-catching color. Simplicity is the secret here, and each component shines in its role for creating One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta magic.
- 1 lb steak, sliced thin: Choose a tender cut—sirloin or ribeye are lovely—so the steak stays juicy and cooks quickly.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni): The nooks and tubes are perfect for catching every drop of that creamy, zesty sauce.
- 2 cups beef broth: Adds a savory, meaty depth that marries beautifully with the steak and sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the dish luxuriously silky and gives the sauce its signature richness.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes: Lends a subtle tang and bursts of fresh color right in the sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan: For a salty, nutty finish that perfectly melts into the creamy base.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and aromatic depth that forms the flavor backbone.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Essential for that mouthwatering, crave-worthy aroma.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps sear the steak and soften the vegetables for a flavorful start.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: The mix of herbs ties all the flavors together in classic Italian style.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t forget to season as you go to bring out every nuance in your dish.
- Fresh basil or parsley, optional: A bright finishing touch for both color and a pop of freshness.
How to Make One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced steak in a single layer, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Let it sizzle undisturbed until one side browns deeply, then flip to finish cooking—just enough for a gorgeous sear. Scoop the steak out and set aside so it stays tender and juicy for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In that same pot, toss in your onion and garlic. Sauté them gently, stirring frequently, until the onions turn soft and translucent and the garlic infuses your kitchen with its alluring fragrance—about 2-3 minutes should do the trick. Scrape up all those tasty browned bits left from the steak!
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes (juices and all). Stir in the Italian seasoning, plus another little pinch of salt and pepper for good measure. Give everything a good mix so the flavors start to mingle, and bring the mixture up to a bubbling boil.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Stir in your pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot, simmering gently. Give everything an occasional stir to ensure the noodles cook evenly and nothing sticks to the bottom. Cook until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens—usually around 10-12 minutes.
Step 5: Finish with Steak and Cheese
Return the reserved steak to the pot, stirring it lovingly into the pasta and sauce. Sprinkle over the grated Parmesan and mix everything together until the cheese melts right in and the dish becomes creamy, glossy, and utterly dreamy.
How to Serve One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta
Garnishes
This is your moment to make the One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta look as good as it tastes! Scatter over torn fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley for a burst of green and a fresh pop that wakes up the whole bowl. A final dusting of Parmesan or a few grinds of black pepper never hurts, either.
Side Dishes
One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta is a meal in itself, but you can’t go wrong with a simple green salad or garlicky roasted vegetables to lighten things up. Some crusty bread is always welcome for scooping up every last bit of sauce, too!
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, try serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls, twirling the pasta into neat nests and topping each with juicy slices of steak and herbs. For family-style, bring that beautiful pot right to the table so everyone can help themselves—it’s all about the relaxed, come-together vibe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have leftovers (it’s tough, believe me), spoon your One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta into an airtight container. It keeps happily in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors become even more luscious as they mingle!
Freezing
This pasta is best fresh, but you can freeze it in a pinch. Cool it completely, then portion into airtight freezer containers. Expect a slightly creamier sauce texture when reheated, but the flavors hold up wonderfully for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, place your pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until everything is hot and silky, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! Sirloin, ribeye, or even flank steak work well—just be sure to slice it thinly, across the grain, so it stays tender in your One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your beef broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free. Everything else will work just the same!
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk in a pinch. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but your pasta will still turn out creamy and delicious.
How can I make it spicier?
Want an extra kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the onion and garlic, or stir in a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish to really play up that zesty vibe!
Can I add more veggies?
Definitely. Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers make wonderful additions and will fold seamlessly into the sauce. Just sauté them along with the onions for best results.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience the cozy, crowd-pleasing magic of One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta. There’s just something so special about a meal that’s both easy and a total flavor bomb—grab your pot and treat yourself to a little dinnertime joy tonight!