One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta
Easy One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner featuring tender steak, perfectly cooked pasta, and a zesty blend of spices, all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners, this recipe offers bold flavors, balanced nutrition, and customizable options for all preferences.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free pasta)
Proteins
- 8 oz flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
Pasta
- 8 oz penne or rigatoni pasta (or any short pasta)
Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Liquids & Tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or 1 cup fresh diced tomatoes)
- 3 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth/water with soy sauce/Worcestershire sauce)
Cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh Herbs
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
Other
- Prepare the Steak: Slice the steak thinly against the grain and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili flakes to infuse it with the signature zesty flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent to create a savory base.
- Cook the Steak: Add the seasoned steak strips to the pot and sear quickly until they are browned but not fully cooked, as they will finish cooking with the pasta.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Pour in the pasta, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well to combine, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid to absorb flavors.
- Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the pasta simmer. Stir occasionally, cooking until the pasta is tender and the steak is cooked through, approximately 12-15 minutes.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil to add creaminess and a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use thin steak slices for quick cooking and tender texture.
- Do not overfill the pot; leave space for pasta to cook evenly in the liquid.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor distribution.
- Adjust liquid by adding a splash of broth or water if pasta absorbs liquid too fast.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright flavor and color.
- For leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days or freeze before adding cheese and herbs.
- Reheat gently on stovetop with added broth or water, or microwave stirring halfway through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: one pot, steak pasta, easy dinner, quick meal, zesty pasta, weeknight recipe, simple cooking, gluten free option