Creamy Steak Penne
A delightful dish combining tender sirloin steak, creamy sauce, and fresh zucchini, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz whole wheat penne or high-protein penne
- 1 lb lean sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 3/4 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Boil water in a large pot and cook the penne according to the package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced zucchini and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside with the steak.
- Add butter to the skillet, followed by minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute, then add flour. Stir and gradually mix in milk and beef broth, stirring until it thickens.
- Add the cooked penne, steak, zucchini, reserved pasta water, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until everything is coated in sauce.
- Remove from heat, stir in fresh parsley, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
For a flavor enhancement, consider adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice. You can also swap the steak for chicken or shrimp depending on your preference.