why make this recipe
This meal is simple, rich, and full of taste. It mixes seared steak, creamy garlic sauce, and fresh vegetables. You get a one-pan feeling with a pasta dish that feels like comfort food. It cooks fast and feeds many.
introduction
This creamy pasta is great for a weeknight or a small dinner with friends. The sauce is cheesy and garlicky, the steak adds meatiness, and the broccoli and peppers give color and crunch. If you like similar creamy chicken dishes, you can also try this creamy garlic parmesan chicken breast recipe for another easy meal.
how to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Penne with Steak, Broccoli & Bell Peppers Recipe
Cook the pasta and sear the steak first. Use the same pan for the sauce so you keep the flavor. Add butter and garlic, then the vegetables. Pour in cream and broth, melt the Parmesan, and return the steak and pasta to the pan. Toss to coat and finish with parsley.
For a simple change, you can use a different cut of steak or swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce. For another related idea using the same flavor set, see this creamy garlic parmesan chicken breast.
Ingredients :
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1.25 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-size pieces
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup broccoli florets, blanched
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Directions :
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
how to serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Penne with Steak, Broccoli & Bell Peppers Recipe
Serve hot on plates or in a large bowl. Add extra grated Parmesan and a little black pepper on top. A green salad or garlic bread goes well on the side. Serve immediately so the sauce stays creamy.
how to store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Penne with Steak, Broccoli & Bell Peppers Recipe
Cool the pasta to room temperature within two hours. Put it in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Do not leave at room temp for long.
tips to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Penne with Steak, Broccoli & Bell Peppers Recipe
- Do not overcook the pasta. Al dente holds up better in the sauce.
- Brown the steak in a hot pan but do not cook it too long. You want it tender.
- Blanch broccoli first for bright green color and quick cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth melt. Pre-grated cheese may not melt as well.
- Save a small cup of pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
variation (if any)
- Swap steak for cooked chicken or sausage for a different protein.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add mushrooms or spinach with the peppers and broccoli for more veggies.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes. Rigatoni, fusilli, or penne work well. Use similar cook time.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead?
A: You can cook and store it, but the sauce is best fresh. Reheat gently with a little water.
Q: What if my sauce is too thin or too thick?
A: If too thin, simmer a few minutes to reduce. If too thick, add reserved pasta water or broth a little at a time.
Q: Can I skip the steak?
A: Yes. The dish works as a vegetable pasta or with chicken or sausage.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Penne with Steak, Broccoli & Bell Peppers is an easy, tasty meal that comes together fast. If you want more creamy pasta ideas with broccoli, try this version with shrimp: Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta – Supper With Michelle. For a sausage and broccoli twist, see this skillet penne recipe: Creamy Skillet Penne with Sausage and Broccoli – The Galley Gourmet.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Penne with Steak, Broccoli & Bell Peppers
Ingredients
Method
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 for 2–3 minutes until thickened and creamy. Add the Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- 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.
- Garnish the pasta with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.