If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with bold flavors yet delightfully simple to prepare, this One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to dinner. Tender slices of juicy steak mingle with perfectly cooked pasta all cooked in one pot, soaking up that lively, zesty sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and a kick of crushed red pepper flakes. It’s a rewarding, hearty dinner that feels special without fuss, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe shines because of its uncomplicated, quality ingredients that each bring something unique to the table. From the savory steak that adds richness, to the bright diced tomatoes and vibrant herbs enhancing depth in every bite, these components work harmoniously both in flavor and texture.
- 1 lb flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced: Choose a tender cut for juicy, flavorful bites that cook quickly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a smooth base for searing and sautéing, bringing out the flavors beautifully.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle crunch when cooked down.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Packs that punch of aromatic zest that the whole dish relies on.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Infuses a rich, tangy body to the sauce, balancing the savory steak perfectly.
- 2 cups beef broth: Deepens the flavor while helping to cook the pasta to tender perfection in one pot.
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice): Holds the sauce well and provides excellent texture without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle heat that awakens the taste buds just enough.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy herbal note that elevates the overall complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky depth that rounds out the zesty flavors wonderfully.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Offers a salty, creamy finish if you want a cheesy boost.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the dish with a pop of green and fresh aroma.
How to Make One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the thinly sliced steak seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking just until browned on the outside but not completely done inside. This step locks in the steak’s juices, giving you tender, flavorful morsels. Remove the steak and set it aside; it will finish cooking in the sauce later.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté it until it turns translucent, about 3 minutes. This sweetens the dish and gives a lovely aroma. Next, add minced garlic and stir for another minute, releasing its irresistible fragrance that sets the tone for the zesty pasta ahead.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with beef broth, then sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine, allowing the seasonings to start mingling and building layers of flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add your choice of pasta to the pot, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is perfectly al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. The magic here is that the pasta soaks up the rich, zesty sauce as it cooks, marrying all the flavors together seamlessly.
Step 5: Return the Steak
Slide the reserved steak back into the pot, stirring gently to combine. Let it warm through for 2 to 3 minutes so that every bite has that perfect balance of tender beef intertwined with the zesty pasta.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta if you’d like an extra layer of savory creaminess. The cheese melts slightly, creating a luscious finish that pulls it all together.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and a pop of color. Serve immediately while still warm, inviting everyone to dig into this comfort-filled feast of the One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe.
How to Serve One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple but fantastic garnish that adds brightness and an herbal note contrasting the rich meat and sauce. For an even more indulgent touch, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil can make every bite feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts that add crunch and earthiness. If you’re feeling indulgent, garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect to soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual rustic bowls with a few extra steak slices on top and a small wedge of lemon for squeezing. You can also plate it family-style in a large dish so everyone can help themselves, making the meal feel warm and communal—just how comfort food should be.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, store any leftover One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, freeze the pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. For best results, freeze in single portions and consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the steak tender and the pasta intact.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. This will revive the delicious zesty sauce and keep the steak tender, just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank or sirloin are ideal for quick cooking and tenderness, you can use ribeye or skirt steak as well. Just be mindful to slice thinly and adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
What pasta works best for the One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe?
Penne, rigatoni, or other tubular pasta are great because they hold the sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite shape. Just keep cooking times in mind since thinner pasta like linguine or spaghetti might cook faster and need monitoring.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can swap out the steak for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. While the flavor will differ, the zesty sauce and spices still create a delicious, satisfying one-pot meal.
How spicy is this recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that complements the smoky paprika nicely but doesn’t overpower. If you prefer less spice, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add extra or a dash of hot sauce when serving.
Is it necessary to add Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan cheese is optional but highly recommended as it adds a wonderful savory, creamy layer to the dish. If you or your guests don’t eat cheese, the recipe holds up beautifully without it too.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe is a shining example of how straightforward ingredients and a little love in the kitchen can produce a meal that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself to something special, this recipe is sure to satisfy and become a cherished kitchen favorite. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever managed weeknight dinners without it!
Print
One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta combines tender sliced steak with a flavorful tomato and beef broth sauce, all cooked together with pasta for a quick and satisfying meal. Packed with bold spices like smoked paprika and red pepper flakes, this hearty dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak, seasoning it with salt and black pepper. Cook until the steak is browned on the outside but not fully cooked through. Remove the steak from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, then stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, smoked paprika, along with salt and pepper to taste. Combine all ingredients well.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the pot, stirring to fully submerge it in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Return Steak and Heat Through: Add the cooked steak back into the pot, stirring to combine it with the pasta and sauce. Let it warm through for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta if desired, stirring gently to incorporate.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use flank or sirloin steak for the best texture; slice it thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- Feel free to substitute pasta types; smaller shapes like penne or rigatoni work best for even cooking.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice creamy, salty finish.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
