Creamy Steak and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta, especially when it’s paired with tender slices of steak and crisp, vibrant broccoli. This Creamy Steak and Broccoli Pasta brings together everything you love about a hearty, satisfying meal — rich flavor, smooth texture, and a balance of protein and vegetables. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, a quick weeknight indulgence, or even a special date night at home, this dish feels both luxurious and comforting without requiring hours in the kitchen.

The inspiration for this recipe comes from classic steakhouse flavors — think juicy, perfectly seared steak served with creamy sides — all brought together in one comforting pasta bowl. It’s a modern twist on a timeless favorite, delivering the indulgent creaminess of Alfredo with the heartiness of steak and the freshness of broccoli. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or cooking for two, this dish is bound to become a staple on your dinner table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Steak and Broccoli Pasta isn’t just another pasta recipe — it’s a full, balanced meal in one pan. Here’s why it stands out:

• Steakhouse flavor at home: The combination of seared steak and creamy pasta feels like something straight out of a restaurant menu.

• Quick and simple: With a prep time under 15 minutes and total cooking time under 40, it’s perfect for busy evenings.

• Balanced and hearty: You get a good dose of protein, carbs, and veggies all in one comforting dish.

• Family-friendly: Both adults and kids will love the rich, cheesy sauce and tender pasta.

• Customizable: Swap in your favorite pasta, add mushrooms, or toss in spinach for extra nutrients — the possibilities are endless.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

• 12 oz sirloin steak (or ribeye, flank, or your preferred cut)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 3 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen

• 10 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup milk

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Directions

1. Cook the pasta.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain and set aside.

2. Season and sear the steak.
   Pat the steak dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it reaches your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

3. Make the creamy sauce.
   In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer, then whisk in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until smooth and creamy.

4. Combine everything.
   Add the cooked pasta and broccoli back to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add sliced steak on top and gently fold everything together so the flavors blend beautifully.

5. Serve and enjoy.
   Plate the creamy pasta, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately. For an extra touch, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top.

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Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, and Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

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Recipe Notes

• For extra creaminess, stir in a little cream cheese or an extra splash of milk just before serving.

• Don’t overcook the broccoli — it should stay bright green and slightly crisp for the best texture.

• You can use any steak cut you prefer; sirloin offers a good balance of tenderness and flavor at an affordable price.

• If you like a touch of spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or cayenne to the sauce.

• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Steak and Broccoli Pasta

Making a dish that tastes restaurant-quality at home is all about technique. Here are a few expert tips to help you get it just right:

1. Use the right cut of steak.

Choose a cut with a balance of tenderness and flavor. Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak all work beautifully. Be sure to slice thinly against the grain to keep it tender.

2. Don’t overcook the steak.

You want it juicy and flavorful. Medium-rare to medium usually offers the best texture for creamy pasta dishes.

3. Salt your pasta water generously.

This is your first chance to season the pasta. The water should taste almost like the sea — that’s how you know it’s right.

4. Make a silky sauce.

Whisk continuously while adding Parmesan to prevent lumps. Adding the cheese gradually helps create that smooth, luscious texture.

5. Toss, don’t drown.

The pasta should be coated, not swimming in sauce. Toss gently to marry the flavors and textures together.

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Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Steak and Broccoli Pasta is rich and hearty on its own, but you can elevate the meal with a few complementary sides:

• Garlic bread or cheese rolls: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of creamy sauce.

• Fresh green salad: A crisp Caesar or arugula salad balances the richness of the pasta.

• Roasted vegetables: Add color and variety with roasted carrots, asparagus, or zucchini.

• Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon adds brightness and cuts through the creaminess beautifully.

For a complete family meal, serve with a light dessert like fruit parfaits or vanilla pudding to finish on a sweet note.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare with a dish this good), here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the steak.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce can separate when thawed.

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Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or pantry:

• Steak alternatives: Substitute chicken breast or shrimp for a lighter version.

• Dairy-free: Use unsweetened almond milk and a dairy-free cream alternative, and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan version.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta varieties like chickpea or brown rice pasta.

• Vegetable variations: Swap broccoli for asparagus, spinach, or peas.

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Nutritional Benefits

This dish is indulgent yet surprisingly balanced. The steak provides lean protein and iron, the broccoli offers fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, and the pasta gives you energy-sustaining carbohydrates. Combined with healthy fats from olive oil and the cream’s calcium content, this meal nourishes both body and soul.

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the cheese slightly, or serve smaller portions with a side salad.

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Make It Your Own: Flavor Variations

If you love to experiment in the kitchen, this recipe is a great canvas for creativity:

• Mushroom Lover’s Version: Add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami depth.

• Lemon-Garlic Twist: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and zest before serving for brightness.

• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded mozzarella or fontina for an ultra-creamy, stretchy sauce.

• Spicy Steak Pasta: Sprinkle chili flakes or drizzle with a little hot sauce for a kick.

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Perfect Occasions to Serve This Dish

• Weeknight dinners: Quick, satisfying, and family-friendly.

• Romantic dinners: Elegant yet easy to make, ideal for two.

• Holiday gatherings: A fresh alternative to traditional roasts or casseroles.

• Meal prep: Cook and portion for lunches throughout the week — it reheats beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! The beauty of this Creamy Steak and Broccoli Pasta is its versatility. While fettuccine and penne are the traditional favorites because they cling beautifully to the rich, velvety sauce, you can easily adapt the recipe to whatever pasta you have on hand. Spaghetti, rigatoni, or even rotini all make excellent alternatives. If you’re looking for a heartier bite, rigatoni or shells are great choices because their ridges help capture more of the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, try using angel hair or linguine — both create a more delicate presentation. If you’re watching your carbs or prefer gluten-free meals, chickpea, lentil, or brown rice pasta work well too. The key is choosing a pasta shape that can hold onto the sauce and blend well with the steak and broccoli textures.

2. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely make parts of this dish in advance to save time later. The pasta and broccoli can be cooked ahead and stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, quickly reheat them with a splash of warm water to loosen the texture. The steak can also be cooked ahead — simply slice it thinly and store it in a sealed container. However, the creamy sauce is best made fresh. Cream-based sauces tend to thicken and lose their silky texture when refrigerated, so it’s best to prepare it just before serving. If you need to reheat leftovers, do so gently over low heat and add a splash of milk or cream to revive the smooth consistency. This approach ensures you still enjoy the rich, creamy flavor without it separating or drying out.

3. What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Don’t worry — there are plenty of alternatives. If you’re out of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter yet still creamy sauce. Keep in mind that the texture will be a bit thinner. To maintain the same rich consistency, mix one teaspoon of flour or cornstarch with a small amount of milk before adding it to the sauce. This helps thicken it without changing the flavor. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk mixed with a teaspoon of nutritional yeast for that subtle cheesy note. The goal is to maintain the balance of richness and smoothness that makes this dish irresistible.

4. How do I make this more flavorful?

To deepen the flavor of your Creamy Steak and Broccoli Pasta, a few simple additions can make a big difference. Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder to the sauce to enhance the savory notes. Smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes bring a touch of warmth and complexity. For an herby freshness, stir in chopped basil, thyme, or parsley right before serving. You can also grate a bit of lemon zest into the sauce to brighten the overall taste without overpowering the creamy base. Finishing with extra Parmesan cheese on top gives it a richer, more luxurious flavor. The secret is layering your seasonings gradually so every bite feels balanced and full of depth.

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