There is something undeniably satisfying about a hearty pasta dish that comes together effortlessly in just one pot. One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta is the kind of recipe that strikes the perfect balance between bold flavors, creamy textures, and wholesome ingredients. Imagine tender, juicy steak mingling with al dente pasta, coated in a luscious sauce made from beef broth, heavy cream, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. The flavors are brightened by Italian seasoning, garlic, and onion, while fresh herbs offer the finishing touch.
What makes this dish even more enticing is its simplicity. With only one pot required, cleanup is minimal—making it perfect for weeknight dinners, small gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just learning your way around the kitchen, this recipe provides a deliciously approachable way to bring a restaurant-worthy pasta meal to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta:
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Minimal Cleanup – Everything cooks in one pot, so you don’t have to juggle multiple pans or wash a mountain of dishes afterward.
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Bold Flavors – The combination of steak, garlic, onion, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning ensures every bite bursts with zesty, savory goodness.
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Creamy Yet Balanced – The beef broth and heavy cream create a silky sauce, while diced tomatoes add brightness and acidity for balance.
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Versatile – You can easily adapt this recipe with different cuts of steak, types of pasta, or additional veggies.
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Crowd-Pleasing – This dish has a universal appeal that makes it perfect for family dinners, date nights, or hosting friends.
Ingredients
To make One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta, you’ll need the following:
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1 lb steak, sliced thin (sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak are ideal)
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12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta (other short pasta varieties can be used)
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2 cups beef broth (low sodium recommended to control saltiness)
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1 cup heavy cream (adds richness and creaminess to the sauce)
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1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh; fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best flavor and melting quality)
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1 small onion, chopped (yellow or white onion works well)
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2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic is best, but pre-minced can work in a pinch)
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1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing the steak and aromatics)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning (a blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Steak
Begin by slicing your steak thinly against the grain. This ensures tender bites rather than chewy pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the steak slices and season with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook until browned on the outside but not fully cooked through—about 3-4 minutes. Remove the steak from the pot and set it aside on a plate. This step locks in flavor while preventing overcooking.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Using the same pot (with the steak juices still in it), add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. This builds a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits from the steak. Add Italian seasoning, and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Stir to ensure it’s evenly submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed much of the flavorful broth. If needed, add a splash of extra broth or water to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Reintroduce the Steak
Return the cooked steak to the pot and stir it into the pasta. Allow the flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the steak is heated through but not overcooked.
Step 6: Add the Cheese and Finish
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and blends into the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Variations
This recipe is highly adaptable. Here are some ways to make it your own:
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Spicy Version – Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce to give the dish a zesty kick.
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Veggie Boost – Stir in spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini during the simmering stage for added nutrition.
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Cheese Lovers – Mix in mozzarella or provolone along with Parmesan for a cheesier, more decadent pasta.
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Low-Carb Swap – Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or a chickpea pasta alternative.
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Different Proteins – Substitute chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for the steak if desired.
Cooking Note
The key to this dish is balancing the sauce consistency. The pasta absorbs liquid as it cooks, so keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t become too dry. A splash of beef broth or cream toward the end of cooking will help maintain a creamy texture. Additionally, be sure to slice the steak thinly and avoid overcooking it during the final stage—this preserves tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve hot in shallow bowls, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for presentation.
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Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
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Garlic bread or a crusty baguette makes the perfect side to mop up the creamy sauce.
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For a more indulgent meal, pair with a glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which complements the richness of the beef and pasta.
Tips for Success
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Choose the Right Steak – Lean cuts like sirloin or flank work best, as they cook quickly and slice thinly.
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Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Remember that the pasta continues to soften as it rests in the hot sauce. Aim for slightly firm (al dente).
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Use Fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect melting. Freshly grated cheese gives better flavor and texture.
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Adjust Seasoning Gradually – Taste throughout the cooking process to avoid overseasoning.
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Control Sauce Thickness – If the sauce becomes too thick, add broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered until it reduces.
Prep Time
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10 minutes
Cooking Time
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25 minutes
Total Time
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35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, 4 servings)
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Calories: ~620
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Protein: ~35g
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Sodium: ~640mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes. This pasta reheats well, but you may need to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to revive the sauce.
Q: What cut of steak works best?
A: Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak are excellent choices due to their tenderness and flavor.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Substitute coconut cream or cashew cream for the heavy cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
Q: How can I make it gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your beef broth is certified gluten-free.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to one month. Keep in mind the pasta may soften after thawing.
Conclusion
One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution—rich, creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. With steak as the star protein and pasta simmering directly in a savory sauce, every bite delivers the perfect balance of comfort and zest. The fact that it comes together in a single pot makes it not only delicious but also convenient.
Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing a date, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Versatile, customizable, and satisfying, it’s a meal that proves you don’t need a complicated recipe to enjoy restaurant-quality flavor at home.
