One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta

The pasta soaks up a rich, zesty sauce. The steak is tender, juicy, and full of bold flavor. The smell of garlic and spice makes the kitchen feel alive.

I cooked this on a busy weeknight when I needed something fast but hearty. One pot made it simple, and everyone went back for another scoop.

You’ll love how easy it is. Let’s dive into this one pot zesty steak pasta and get dinner on the table quick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup simple and fast.
• Hearty and Filling: Tender steak and pasta create a satisfying meal that feeds the whole family.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep work.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable sirloin steak and pantry staples for great value.
• Kid-Approved: The cheesy, mild flavors appeal to picky eaters while still being exciting for adults.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people as a main dish. Double the recipe for larger families or meal prep.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners but satisfying for experienced home cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if using block cheese)

Ingredients for One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta

This hearty pasta dish uses simple, fresh ingredients that work together to create bold, zesty flavors. The combination of tender steak, colorful vegetables, and melted cheese makes every bite satisfying. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish together:

For the Steak and Vegetables:

• Beef Sirloin Steak: 1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for searing the steak and cooking vegetables
• Onion: 1 medium, diced for sweet, savory base flavor
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced for aromatic depth
• Red Bell Pepper: 1 large, sliced for color and crunch
• Green Bell Pepper: 1 large, sliced for fresh vegetable flavor

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz), with juices for tangy base
• Beef Broth: 2 cups for rich, savory cooking liquid
• Penne Pasta: 12 oz, uncooked for hearty texture
• Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon for herb blend
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon for gentle heat
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon for mild spice

For the Cheese Topping:

• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded for creamy melting
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated for sharp flavor
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped for bright garnish

Variations for One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta

• Add Mushrooms: Include 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the bell peppers for earthy flavor.
• Make it Spicier: Double the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños with the garlic.
• Try Different Pasta: Use rotini, rigatoni, or shells instead of penne for variety.
• Add Spinach: Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
• Use Different Cheese: Try sharp cheddar or pepper jack instead of mozzarella for different flavors.

How to Make One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak

Cut the sirloin steak into small, bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper. This helps the steak cook evenly and quickly.

2. Sear the Steak

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove steak and set aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables

Add the remaining olive oil to the same pot. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add Bell Peppers

Stir in the red and green bell peppers. Cook for 4-5 minutes until peppers start to soften but still have some crunch.

5. Build the Sauce

Add diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.

6. Add Pasta and Steak

Stir in the uncooked penne pasta and return the cooked steak to the pot. Make sure the pasta is covered with liquid. Bring back to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.

7. Simmer Until Tender

Cover and cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Add more broth if needed.

8. Add the Cheese

Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Let rest for 2-3 minutes to thicken.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta

This complete meal needs little else, but these additions make it even better:

• With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread for soaking up extra sauce.
• Side Salad: Add a simple green salad with Italian dressing for freshness.
• Wine Pairing: Pairs well with red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti.
• Garnish Ideas: Top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil.
• For Kids: Serve smaller portions with extra cheese and less pepper flakes.

Storing One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months, though the pasta texture may change slightly when reheated.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Cut Steak Evenly: Keep steak pieces the same size so they cook at the same rate.
• Don’t Overcook Steak: Sear quickly to keep the meat tender since it will cook more with the pasta.
• Stir Regularly: Stirring prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Check Pasta: Test pasta doneness by tasting a piece. It should be tender but not mushy.
• Let it Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking so the sauce can thicken.

Nutrition

One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta FAQs

Conclusion

This One Pot Zesty Steak Pasta recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that everyone will love. The combination of tender steak, colorful vegetables, and creamy melted cheese creates the perfect comfort food that’s both satisfying and easy to make.