Name: One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb steak, sliced thin – Sirloin, flank, or ribeye work well.; 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni) – Holds onto the creamy sauce for the perfect bite.; 2 cups beef broth – Adds a rich, meaty base to the pasta.; 1 cup heavy cream – Creates a smooth, velvety texture.; 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) – Provides a zesty, slightly tangy contrast to the creamy sauce.; 1 tbsp olive oil – Used for sautéing the steak and aromatics.; 1 small onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.; 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the overall flavor.; 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that complements the steak and tomatoes.; Salt and pepper, to taste.; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for a rich, cheesy taste.; Fresh basil or parsley (optional) – Adds a fresh, herby contrast before serving.

Jump to Recipe

Craving a dinner that feels luxuriously bold yet comes together with the ease of a weeknight favorite? Let me introduce you to One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta. This irresistible dish combines succulent strips of steak, rich tomatoes, robust Italian herbs, and a creamy Parmesan-kissed sauce—all simmered together with your favorite pasta in a single pot. Every bite sparkles with zesty flavor, tender steak, and the kind of comforting creaminess that makes you want seconds (and maybe even thirds). The simple prep and easy cleanup mean you get more time to savor and less time scrubbing, making it one of those life-saving recipes you’ll turn to again and again.

One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You truly don’t need dozens of fancy components to make an unforgettable meal. Every ingredient in this One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta recipe plays a starring role—whether it’s building the creamy sauce, providing a zesty edge, or adding that pop of herbaceous green at the end. Here’s what you’ll need, plus simple tips for unlocking their very best flavor.

Steak (1 lb, sliced thin): Sirloin, flank, or ribeye all work beautifully—the key is to use a cut that stays tender and juicy after a quick sear.
Pasta (12 oz, penne or rigatoni): Short shapes like penne or rigatoni are ideal since they capture creamy sauce in every bite.
Beef broth (2 cups): This enriches the entire pot with a meaty, savory depth you just can’t fake.
Heavy cream (1 cup): For that irresistibly creamy, dreamy texture that wraps around every noodle and steak bite.
Diced tomatoes (1 cup, canned or fresh): Adds a bright, tangy punch that keeps things tasting lively rather than one-note.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Sautéing your steak and aromatics in a little oil locks in flavor and sets the foundation for a stunning sauce.
Onion (1 small, chopped): This brings subtle sweetness and a savory depth as it gently cooks down.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Never skip the garlic—it enhances and ties together all the flavors.
Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A ready-made blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme makes extra seasoning a breeze.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Seasoning in layers ensures every ingredient shines in its own way.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Melts into the final sauce for a nutty, cheesy finish that’s hard to resist.
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional): Just a sprinkle brings freshness and a pop of vibrant color to the finished bowl.

How to Make One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Kick things off by heating olive oil in your biggest, sturdiest pot (this helps with even browning and easy stirring later). Toss in the thinly sliced steak, seasoning it with salt and pepper right in the pot, and sear until both sides are beautifully caramelized—usually about 3 to 4 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pot! Browning in a single layer gives way more flavor. Once it’s browned, scoop the steak onto a plate and set aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Right in those delicious steak drippings, add your chopped onion and the minced garlic. As soon as the onion looks glossy and starts to turn golden, you’ll notice the kitchen smells like heaven. This step takes around 3 or 4 minutes, and it’s worth it—onions and garlic are the backbone of that rich, savory base.

Step 3: Pour in Liquids and Add Pasta

With your aromatics softened, pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, and those juicy diced tomatoes (it’s totally fine to use canned if that’s what you have on hand). Toss in your uncooked pasta, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and a bit of pepper. Stir it all together, bring the pot to a lively boil, then drop the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir every now and then—what you want is tender pasta that soaks up nearly all the creamy, zesty sauce.

Step 4: Add the Steak and Parmesan

Time to bring back your savory steak slices! Return them to the pot and stir gently so they mingle with every noodle and plenty of sauce. Add the grated Parmesan now and watch it melt straight into the pasta, thickening everything up and adding restaurant-quality creaminess.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Give the whole pot one last taste, adjusting the seasoning if needed. Scoop big, hearty servings into bowls, then scatter fresh basil or parsley over the top. Serve your One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta piping hot and bask in the aroma—if you’re like me, this is the moment everyone flocks to the table!

How to Serve One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta

Garnishes

A finishing flourish goes a long way with this dish. Fresh basil or parsley add wonderful bursts of color and brighten up each bite. If you’re feeling indulgent, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan over the top never goes amiss, delivering salty, savory pops as you dig in. Don’t be shy; the more vibrant and inviting your bowl, the better!

Side Dishes

Because One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta is sensationally rich and satisfying all on its own, you don’t need much—just something simple on the side. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances everything out and keeps things fresh. You could also serve some roasted veggies for another colorful element on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve the pasta in a big family-style bowl and let everyone help themselves. Or, twirl it high with tongs for an impressive plating. For gatherings, serve in wide, shallow pasta bowls and add a drizzle of olive oil, extra herbs, or even a few blistered cherry tomatoes on top. This One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta is a showstopper no matter how you present it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, and the flavors deepen overnight, so a second-day bowl can be even more wonderful!

Freezing

If you want to freeze your pasta, let it cool completely first. Portion it into freezer-friendly containers, and it’ll keep for up to 2 months. Creamy sauces can sometimes change texture when frozen, but a gentle reheat brings it right back to comfort food perfection.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer the pasta to a pot or microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce, cover, and warm gently until piping hot. Stir occasionally for even heating. This brings back the luscious sauciness that defines a great One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of steak for One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta?

Sirloin, flank, and ribeye are all fantastic choices because they cook quickly and stay tender. Just slice them thin so they stay juicy and blend well with the creamy pasta.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne and rigatoni work best for snagging all that luscious sauce, any short pasta (like ziti or rotini) will do. Just keep an eye on cook time since shapes vary.

What vegetables can I add to customize this dish?

Feel free to stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach when adding the liquids and pasta. They pair beautifully with the steak and give your One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta extra color and texture.

Is there a lighter version of the creamy sauce?

You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. Adding extra tomatoes or a handful of chopped spinach can lighten things up, too.

Can I make One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite plant-based cream in place of heavy cream, skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese, and choose a pasta with no egg. The result is still creamy and delicious.

Final Thoughts

If dinner has been feeling stale lately, One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta will confidently shake up your routine. It’s creamy, zippy, and filled with steakhouse flavor in every forkful. Try it soon, make it your own, and get ready to earn rave reviews at your table!