Name: One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs steak (sirloin, flank, or ribeye), thinly sliced; 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells); 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup tomato sauce; 3 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp Italian herbs; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (for serving); 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

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This one-pot zesty steak pasta is a bold, flavorful dish I love making when I want something hearty and full of punch. The steak is seared until tender, the pasta cooks right in the sauce, and everything gets coated in a zesty blend of spices and creamy tomato goodness. It’s filling, vibrant, and perfect for nights when I want a big bowl of comfort with minimal cleanup.

Best One-Pot Zesty Steak Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s all about flavor and convenience. Cooking everything in one pot means the pasta absorbs the savory sauce, and the steak juices infuse the dish with richness. The zesty spices give it just enough kick to keep every bite exciting. I also like that it’s easy to customize—I can add vegetables, change up the seasonings, or make it as creamy or as light as I want.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Steak (sirloin, flank, or ribeye, sliced into thin strips)
Pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work well)
Olive oil or butter
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Tomato sauce
Beef broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Zesty seasoning (paprika, chili powder, Italian herbs, or a taco-style blend)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Salt and black pepper
Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Directions

I heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
I season the steak strips with salt, pepper, and paprika, then sear them until browned. I remove them from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, I sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
I stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and zesty seasonings, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
I add the pasta directly into the pot and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until tender.
I stir in the heavy cream for a smooth, creamy finish.
I return the steak to the pot, tossing everything together until coated in sauce.
I garnish with parmesan and fresh herbs before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings. It usually takes me 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, so I can have it ready in around 35 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra veggies. If I want more heat, I sprinkle in cayenne or use a spicier chili powder. For a smoky twist, I stir in a little chipotle paste. I’ve also swapped steak for chicken or Italian sausage, and it turns out just as delicious.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce, since it thickens as it sits. The microwave works fine, but I prefer reheating on the stovetop for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

What’s the best steak to use for this pasta?

I like sirloin or flank steak because they’re flavorful and tender when sliced thin, but ribeye makes it extra rich.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, I often use penne, rotini, or shells—anything that holds sauce well.

How do I keep the steak tender?

I sear it quickly over high heat and add it back at the end so it doesn’t overcook in the sauce.

Can I make this recipe without cream?

Yes, I sometimes skip the cream for a lighter version, or use milk instead for a less rich but still flavorful sauce.

What cheese works best?

I like parmesan for sharpness, but mozzarella or asiago also melt beautifully into the sauce.

Conclusion

One-pot zesty steak pasta is a recipe I love making when I want something bold, hearty, and packed with flavor. The zesty sauce, tender steak, and creamy pasta all come together in one pot for a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s quick, easy, and always a hit at the table.