If you’re craving a meal that bursts with flavor yet requires minimal fuss, you are going to love this One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe. Imagine tender pieces of steak mingling with vibrant bell peppers and perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a tangy tomato and beef broth sauce that’s seasoned to perfection. This dish is comfort food elevated to a new level — hearty, zesty, and all whipped up in just one pot for maximum ease and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting together this One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe is surprisingly simple because each ingredient plays a starring role—whether it’s the meaty goodness of the steak or the bright colors of the bell peppers adding texture and freshness. Here’s what you’ll need to bring these flavors to life:
- 12 oz Pasta (penne or fusilli): These shapes hold onto the sauce perfectly, making every bite a delight.
- 1 lb Steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces: Choose a tender cut for juicy, flavorful chunks that cook quickly.
- 2 Bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced: They add sweetness, crunch, and a pop of gorgeous color.
- 1 medium Onion, diced: Builds a savory foundation with its natural sweetness.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic depth.
- 4 cups Beef broth: Amplifies the steak flavor while gently softening the pasta.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes: Adds tang and a fresh, juicy bite.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties everything together.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil: Helps to sear the steak and sauté the veggies for rich, rounded flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing all the bold flavors.
How to Make One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Get Prep Ready
First things first, prep your ingredients so you’re ready to cook without scrambling. Cut your steak into bite-sized pieces that will sear quickly and stay juicy. Slice the bell peppers into strips, dice the onion, and mince the garlic finely to release its full aroma into the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Steak to Perfection
Heat up the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season your steak pieces generously with salt and pepper, then sear them for about 4 to 5 minutes until you get that beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in flavor and gives the steak a wonderful texture. Remove the steak and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Using the same pot, toss in your diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Sauté them for around 3 to 4 minutes, letting those natural sugars caramelize slightly to boost the depth of flavor. Add the minced garlic last and cook it for another minute, just enough to turn fragrant but not burnt.
Step 4: Combine and Build the Sauce
Return the seared steak to the pot and add your pasta, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together well — this is the point where those fresh and hearty ingredients start merging into a luscious, zesty sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta to Tender Perfection
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until your pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced into a rich, flavorful sauce that clings to every piece.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Before plating, taste the pasta and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This final step ensures each bite bursts with balanced seasoning and warmth, making your One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a vibrant green pop and a fresh aroma that complements the zesty tomato sauce beautifully. Don’t forget a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese to add just the right touch of savory creaminess on top.
Side Dishes
This dish stands out on its own but pairing it with a crisp garden salad or garlic bread offers a delightful contrast in textures and an added layer of satisfaction. A light, tangy salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve your One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe in warm, shallow bowls to keep the sauce luscious. You can also create an elegant look by layering the pasta with fresh herbs and a drizzle of good olive oil for that extra touch. Rustic bread baskets on the side invite guests to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great meal to prepare ahead for busy days.
Freezing
This pasta dish freezes well if you want to save some for later. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When defrosted, the texture holds nicely, especially if you reheat it gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers over low heat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally so the steak stays tender and the pasta doesn’t dry out — just like fresh!
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use flank or skirt steak. Just make sure to slice thinly and cook briefly to avoid toughness.
Is it okay to substitute chicken or another protein?
Yes, this recipe is quite flexible. You can swap steak for diced chicken breast or thighs. Cooking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on the protein to make sure it stays juicy but cooked through.
What kind of pasta works best?
Penne and fusilli are ideal because their shapes hold the sauce beautifully. However, feel free to use other short pasta kinds like rotini or rigatoni. Avoid delicate pastas that might get mushy during the simmering step.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the steak and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add extra bell peppers or mushrooms for texture and umami flavor to keep things hearty and satisfying.
How spicy is this recipe?
This One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe is zesty but mild by default. If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a subtle kick that complements the zesty flavors perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe enough for anyone who loves bold flavors with minimal fuss. It’s a fantastic weeknight dinner that comes together quickly, feeds a crowd, and leaves everyone smiling with every flavorful bite. Give it a go, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to meals!
Print
One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta is a flavorful and easy meal combining tender seared steak, colorful bell peppers, and hearty pasta all cooked together in a savory tomato and beef broth sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe minimizes cleanup while delivering a rich taste experience.
Ingredients
Steak and Vegetables
- 1 lb (450 g) Steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 Bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
Pasta and Liquids
- 12 oz (340 g) Pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 4 cups (960 ml) Beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz or 410 g) Diced tomatoes
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces, slice the bell peppers, dice the onion, and mince the garlic to have everything ready for cooking.
- Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the steak pieces with salt and pepper, then sear them for 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove the steak from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Ingredients to Pot: Return the seared steak to the pot. Add the pasta, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything well to combine.
- Cook Pasta and Steak Together: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the zesty steak pasta hot for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- Use sirloin or ribeye steak for the best tender and flavorful results.
- You can substitute bell peppers with other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- This dish reheats well and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
