Meet your new weeknight hero: One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta. This dish is ridiculously satisfying, balancing the rich flavors of seared steak, creamy Parmesan, and a lively punch from tomatoes with green chilies. Everything comes together in just one pot, so you get a hearty, flavorful meal that feels gourmet, but happens to be gloriously low on mess. Whether you’re craving something cozy for family dinner or need to impress unexpected guests, this is the recipe that checks every box.

One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta ingredients is simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, color, and that unforgettable creamy-zesty finish. Here’s what makes this pasta shine from the inside out:

Sirloin steak (1 pound, sliced): Tender, quick-cooking, and packed with beefy flavor—cut thin for the best results.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Gives a subtle fruitiness and helps caramelize the steak beautifully.
Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Brings sweet aromatics and depth to the sauce.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): Freshly minced garlic infuses every bite with savory richness.
Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 ounces): The secret to the “zesty” factor, adding tang and a touch of heat.
Beef broth (3 cups): Adds savoriness and helps cook the pasta right in the pot.
Penne or rotini pasta (8 ounces): Pasta shapes that hold onto the creamy sauce and steak bits.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Introduces smoky warmth that’s irresistible.
Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A sprinkle brings herbal notes to balance the richness.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Gives a little more heat, if you like a kick.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Melts into a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to every noodle.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds salty-savory goodness and thickens the sauce perfectly.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for dialing in the final flavors.
Chopped parsley (for garnish): A pop of color and freshness right before serving.

How to Make One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Start things off by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the steak strips generously with salt and pepper, then lay them in the hot oil. Give them just 2–3 minutes to develop a rich, brown sear—you’re not cooking them through, just locking in those savory juices. Once they’re browned and a little caramelized, transfer the steak to a plate and set aside. This quick sear keeps your beef tender and bursting with flavor.

Step 2: Soften the Aromatics

Reduce your heat to medium, and in the same glorious pan (no need to clean it, all those browned bits are flavor gold), toss in the diced onion. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes, stirring to pick up all that flavor from the steak, until the onion turns soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute more, making the whole kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.

Step 3: Build the Zesty Base

Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, followed by the beef broth, uncooked pasta, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you love heat. Stir everything together, making sure pasta is mostly submerged. This is where the magic happens—every component is getting cozy together, marrying flavors as the pasta cooks right in the sauce.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring your pot to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away uncovered for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally so things don’t stick. You’ll see the pasta drink up the flavorful liquid and the sauce will thicken. Check for doneness: the pasta should be tender, and most liquid absorbed.

Step 5: Make it Creamy and Dreamy

Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes glossy and velvety. This is the soul-satisfying finish to One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta—creamy, tangy, and loaded with umami. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as you like.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Slide the browned steak strips back into the pot, nestling them into the creamy pasta. Let everything warm together for about 2 minutes, which ensures the steak remains juicy and every bite is infused with that bold zesty flavor. Sprinkle generously with chopped parsley and serve it all up while hot and bubbling.

How to Serve One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta

Garnishes

For a truly special touch, go wild with garnishes on your One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta. The classic is a generous shower of fresh chopped parsley, which brightens up both the plate and the palate. If you want some extra flair, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even thinly sliced scallions adds color and complexity. For extra heat, a few extra chili flakes never hurt!

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta with something light and crisp to balance its creamy, rich sauce. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with lemon work brilliantly. Warm, crusty bread is practically required for mopping up every last bit of sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative with your One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta by serving it in shallow bowls so every piece of steak and swirl of pasta is on display. For a dinner party, try family-style presentation in the skillet or Dutch oven for that rustic charm. Or, serve in ramekins with a parmesan crisp for a gourmet spin on comfort food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta stores beautifully. Let it cool to room temperature before scooping into airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen a bit after a good rest.

Freezing

If you’d like to make this in advance or save portions for busier times, this pasta freezes nicely. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For the best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth, water, or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. For single servings, the microwave works fine—just cover and heat in one-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin is tender and works beautifully, you can also use flank steak or even ribeye if you’re feeling fancy. Just slice thinly across the grain for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Definitely—simply swap in your favorite gluten-free penne or rotini. Keep an eye on the cook time since some gluten-free pastas may soften more quickly.

What can I use instead of cream?

You can substitute half and half for a slightly lighter version, or even try coconut milk for a dairy-free, subtly sweet twist. The sauce may not be quite as thick, but it’ll still taste fantastic.

How spicy is One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta?

It has a mild kick thanks to the green chilies and optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat by leaving out the pepper flakes or using mild tomatoes, or crank it up with extra chili or even a splash of hot sauce.

Can I add more veggies?

Go for it! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would be great additions. Just sauté them with the onions so they have time to soften and mingle with the flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you need a dish that promises big flavors and minimal cleanup, One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta is the answer. Every forkful is creamy, bold, and utterly comforting. Trust me, after one bite, this will be a go-to in your recipe arsenal—happy cooking!

One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful one-pot pasta dish featuring zesty steak strips, diced tomatoes with chilies, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak Strips:

1 pound sirloin steak, sliced into thin strips
2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables:

1 small yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced

Other Ingredients:

1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
3 cups beef broth
8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear seasoned steak strips until browned. Set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, sauté onion until soft, then add garlic.
Cook Pasta: Add tomatoes, broth, pasta, spices, and simmer until pasta is tender.
Finish the Dish: Stir in cream, Parmesan, and return steak. Adjust seasoning, garnish, and serve.