Creamy Garlic Steak Penne with Broccoli & Cherry Tomatoes is a delightful dish that brings together bold flavors and fresh ingredients for a comforting meal. Imagine perfectly cooked penne pasta coated in a luscious, creamy sauce, complemented by juicy steak strips and bright pops of color from cherry tomatoes and vibrant broccoli. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or anytime you want to impress family and friends with a homemade gourmet dish.
As you prepare this one-pan favorite, you’ll savor the rich aroma of garlic mingling with the savory steak and the satisfying crunch of broccoli. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to recreate this delicious meal at home—from ingredient details to step-by-step instructions. Let’s dive in and transform your dinner routine with this mouthwatering recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: This dish uses vibrant veggies and high-quality steak for a delicious meal.
- Ease of Preparation: Cook everything in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
- Nutrition: A balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and hearty pasta satisfies.
- Versatility: Enjoy it as a main dish, or customize with your favorite veggies.
- Presentation: The colorful ingredients create an appetizing and visually stunning dish.
You’ll quickly see why this recipe becomes a favorite!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Note that times may vary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Start by selecting 8 oz of penne pasta, 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 lb of steak cut into strips, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp of olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, and fresh parsley for garnish.
Main Protein
- Use tender steak strips for a rich flavor and satisfying texture.
- Prepare by cutting the steak into strips, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- If you’re looking for an alternative, chicken or shrimp works wonderfully.
- Be careful not to overcook the steak; it should be medium rare for the best texture.
Starch/Pasta
- Penne pasta holds the sauce beautifully, delivering flavor in every bite.
- Cook al dente according to package instructions; usually about 8-10 minutes.
- If you’re looking for an alternative, rigatoni or farfalle can also be delicious choices.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and flavor; use fresh cloves for the best taste.
- Mince garlic finely to release its oils fully; sauté with steak for an aromatic base.
- If you’re looking for an alternative, garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but fresh is best.
- Be cautious not to burn the garlic, which may turn it bitter.
Liquids/Dairy
- Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich, creamy consistency.
- Pour in the cream after cooking the steak, stirring to combine.
- If you’re looking for an alternative, half-and-half works as a lighter option.
- Avoid boiling the cream to keep your sauce smooth.
Aromatics & Vegetables
- Broccoli florets add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
- Blanch briefly if you like your broccoli tender but still crisp—about 2 minutes.
- If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use spinach or asparagus.
- Make sure to wash the broccoli thoroughly to remove any dirt.
Optional Finishing Ingredients
- Grated Parmesan cheese enhances flavor and creaminess; stir in at the end.
- To use, simply add to the sauce, allowing it to melt in.
- If you’re looking for an alternative, Pecorino Romano can add a zestier flavor.
- Use freshly grated cheese for maximum taste rather than pre-grated options.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This creamy dish comes together easily in one pan, making it a stress-free option for dinner.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Steak
In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; brown the steak in batches if necessary for even cooking.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Once the steak is browned, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This step builds a delicious flavor base for your sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and lower the heat to medium. Gradually add in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted. This creates a creamy and rich sauce that envelops the pasta.
Step 5: Incorporate Broccoli and Tomatoes
Add 2 cups of broccoli florets and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Stir in with the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is tender and bright green. This step adds color and nutrients to your dish.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce and all ingredients are evenly distributed. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor!
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately, enjoying the wonderful aromas that fill your kitchen.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve in vibrant bowls to showcase the colorful ingredients.
- Accompaniments: Pair with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Portions: This recipe serves about four, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
- Beverage Pairing: A crisp white wine or sparkling water complements the creamy dish beautifully.
Savor the delightful blend of flavors with every bite!
Additional Tips
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Customize with seasonal veggies like spinach or bell peppers to make it your own.
- Serve with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan for added richness.
Recipe Variations
- Mexican Twist: Add taco seasoning to the steak and incorporate black beans for a fun twist.
- Mediterranean Style: Include olives and feta cheese for a flavor-packed Mediterranean version.
- One-Pot Wonder: Use the same skillet to cook everything without boiling pasta separately for an even simpler approach.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in small portions. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months for the best quality.
Special Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Heavy skillet or frying pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Colander for draining pasta
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli or cherry tomatoes can be a convenient alternative. Just add them directly to the sauce without thawing.
2. Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, simply substitute regular penne with a gluten-free pasta option. Check labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the components in advance and combine them just before serving for freshness. Store each part separately.
4. What other proteins can I use?
Feel free to swap steak for chicken, turkey, or even plant-based proteins like tofu for a vegetarian option.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
You can use coconut cream and nutritional yeast as alternatives to heavy cream and cheese for a dairy-free version.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Steak Penne with Broccoli & Cherry Tomatoes is a satisfying meal that combines heartiness with freshness. It’s not only easy to prepare but also offers a beautiful presentation that will impress anyone. Whether you’re hosting friends or whipping up a quick dinner, this recipe is sure to win hearts and taste buds. You can do this!
Creamy Garlic Steak Penne with Broccoli & Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta Cook al dente according to package instructions.
Main Protein
- 1 lb steak, cut into strips Tender steak strips provide rich flavor.
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets Blanch for 2 minutes if tender texture is desired.
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
Liquids/Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream Avoid boiling to keep sauce smooth.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use freshly grated for maximum flavor.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- 3 cloves minced garlic Use fresh for best flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oil For sautéing the steak.
- to taste salt and pepper
- fresh parsley, for garnish Adds color when serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until browned.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and gradually add grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add broccoli florets and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
