One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta – A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pot zesty steak pasta is a dish that brings together bold flavors and easy cooking in a single pan. Tender pieces of steak are seared to perfection, then simmered with pasta, tomatoes, and spices until everything melds into a rich, hearty meal. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—you only need one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. When I first made this dish, I added a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, and it turned out wonderfully balanced: savory, zesty, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or want to impress guests with something hearty yet effortless, this recipe checks all the boxes.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Each ingredient plays a role in creating a pasta dish that’s robust, flavorful, and full of texture.

Steak (sirloin or flank) – Provides juicy, tender bites of protein that soak up the zesty sauce beautifully.

Olive oil – Helps sear the steak and release flavor into the dish.

Garlic – Infuses the pasta with aromatic depth and enhances the zesty flavor profile.

Onion – Adds a sweet-savory base that balances the acidity of tomatoes.

Crushed tomatoes – The heart of the sauce, giving it body and tang.

Beef broth – Enhances the richness of the dish while helping cook the pasta in one pot.

Pasta (penne or rigatoni) – Sturdy pasta shapes that hold onto the sauce and pair well with steak.

Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that provides warmth and complexity.

Red pepper flakes – Bring just the right amount of heat for a zesty kick.

Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce, adding nutty richness and creaminess.

Fresh parsley – A fresh finishing touch that brightens the dish before serving.

Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning the steak and balancing flavors.

Directions

Start by seasoning the steak with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak pieces until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.

In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté onion and garlic until softened and fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Add the pasta directly into the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and the sauce thickens. If needed, add extra broth to ensure the pasta cooks evenly. Return the steak to the pot in the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to finish cooking in the sauce.

Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, cooking requires 25 minutes, and the full dish is ready in roughly 35 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not ideal, as pasta can lose its texture after thawing.

Variations and Customizations

Creamy version – Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.

Veggie boost – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Cheesy upgrade – Mix mozzarella or provolone into the pasta for a gooey finish.

Spicy kick – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Herb twist – Swap parsley with basil or oregano for a different flavor profile.

Different pasta shapes – Try shells, fusilli, or spaghetti depending on what you have on hand.

Wine infusion – Deglaze the pan with red wine before adding the tomatoes for a deeper, more complex flavor.

FAQs

What cut of steak works best?

Sirloin, flank, or ribeye are great choices for tenderness and flavor.

Can I cook the pasta separately?

Yes, but cooking it in the sauce infuses it with more flavor and keeps it truly one-pot.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the steak and sauce earlier and finish with pasta later.

What if the pasta absorbs too much liquid?

Add more broth or water as it cooks to prevent sticking.

Can I use chicken instead of steak?

Yes, diced chicken breast or thighs work well as a substitute.

How do I prevent overcooking the steak?

Sear it first, then finish cooking it gently in the sauce at the end.

Is this recipe very spicy?

No, it has a mild kick, but you can adjust the red pepper flakes to taste.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down longer to achieve a rich sauce.

What cheese works best besides Parmesan?

Pecorino Romano or Asiago are excellent alternatives.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pot to accommodate the extra ingredients.

Conclusion

One-pot zesty steak pasta is the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet easy enough for a busy weeknight. The combination of tender steak, zesty tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta makes it a dish that’s both hearty and full of bold flavor. With only one pot to clean, it’s as practical as it is delicious. Whether you keep it simple or add your own custom twists, this recipe is bound to become a go-to in your dinner rotation.

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