Description
A comforting and indulgent weeknight dinner, this creamy garlic Parmesan penne combines tender pasta with juicy seared steak, crisp-tender broccoli, and sweet bell peppers. The rich garlic Parmesan sauce envelops every bite, creating a dish that feels like a steakhouse meal made in your own kitchen. Perfect for cozy evenings, casual dinners, or impressing family and friends, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a go-to for both flavor and convenience.
Ingredients
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12 oz penne pasta
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1.25 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-size pieces
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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1 tsp garlic powder
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup beef or chicken broth
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 cup broccoli florets, blanched
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, usually 9–11 minutes. Drain and set aside. Reserve a small cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
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Season the steak pieces with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer, cooking 1–2 minutes per side until nicely browned on the outside but still tender inside. Remove the steak and set aside on a plate, keeping the juices in the skillet.
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In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers, cooking for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. The vegetables should remain vibrant in color and slightly firm for the best texture contrast.
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Pour the heavy cream and broth into the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and vegetable mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened and creamy. Add the Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
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Return the seared steak and cooked penne to the skillet. Toss everything together carefully to coat the pasta and steak in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
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Garnish the pasta with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy. Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete, hearty meal.
Notes
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Choose sirloin or ribeye for tender, flavorful steak.
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Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
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Blanch broccoli before sautéing to maintain color and texture.
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, creamier sauce.
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This dish pairs well with garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes