Zesty Steak Pasta is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines tender, juicy steak pieces with al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lime-infused dressing. Topped with creamy cheese crumbles and a sprinkle of herbs, this pasta offers a delightful balance of richness and brightness, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Zesty Steak Pasta is a recipe that appeals to both pasta lovers and steak enthusiasts. The zesty dressing brings a refreshing citrus note that brightens the dish, while the hearty steak and creamy toppings create a luxurious texture. This recipe is easy to customize, quick to prepare, and visually stunning, making it ideal for casual meals or entertaining guests. Moreover, it offers a well-rounded balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables, so it is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (such as penne or rigatoni), cooked al dente
- Steak (sirloin or ribeye), grilled or seared and sliced
- Fresh tomatoes, diced
- Zucchini slices, lightly sautéed or grilled
- Lime wedges
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
- Season the steak with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill or sear in a hot skillet until your desired doneness is reached. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the zucchini slices briefly in olive oil until just tender.
- Prepare the dressing by mixing olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- In a large bowl, toss the pasta with the zucchini, steak slices, tomatoes, and dressing.
- Top with cheese crumbles and fresh herbs.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra zest.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for added heat.
- Vegetarian twist: Substitute the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu.
- Pasta swap: Try it with whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or even zucchini noodles.
- Cheese options: Use crumbled blue cheese or shaved Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil until heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long as it may dry out the steak and make the pasta mushy.
FAQs
How can I make the steak extra tender?
Ensure you allow the steak to rest after cooking and slice it against the grain. Marinating the steak in olive oil, lime juice, and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking can also enhance tenderness.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead and assemble just before serving. However, add the dressing and cheese just before eating to preserve the fresh taste.
What is the best steak cut for this recipe?
Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak work well. Choose a cut with some marbling for more flavor.
Can I serve this pasta cold as a salad?
Absolutely. It makes a refreshing cold pasta salad. Just chill all components before tossing together.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to the cheese topping?
Yes, try crumbled cashew cheese or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Toss the cooked pasta with a little olive oil after draining, especially if you are not assembling the dish immediately.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely. Bell peppers, red onions, or arugula make great additions.
What type of lime should I use?
Fresh lime juice is best. Key limes offer a more intense flavor if you prefer that.
How can I make the dish lower in carbs?
Swap pasta for spiralized zucchini, shirataki noodles, or spaghetti squash.
Does this dish freeze well?
It is not recommended to freeze as the texture of the pasta and vegetables may suffer upon thawing.
Conclusion
Zesty Steak Pasta is a versatile and flavorful dish that brings together bold citrus, tender steak, and hearty pasta in a harmonious way. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this recipe is simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Try it once, and you will appreciate how the zesty lime and rich cheese bring every bite to life.
PrintZesty Steak Pasta
Zesty Steak Pasta is a vibrant dish that combines tender steak, al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and a lime-infused dressing, topped with creamy cheese crumbles and herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grill, Sauté, Toss
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Pasta (such as penne or rigatoni), cooked al dente
- Steak (sirloin or ribeye), grilled or seared and sliced
- Fresh tomatoes, diced
- Zucchini slices, lightly sautéed or grilled
- Lime wedges
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
- Season the steak with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill or sear in a hot skillet until your desired doneness is reached. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the zucchini slices briefly in olive oil until just tender.
- Prepare the dressing by mixing olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- In a large bowl, toss the pasta with the zucchini, steak slices, tomatoes, and dressing.
- Top with cheese crumbles and fresh herbs.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra zest.
Notes
- For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu.
- Try different types of pasta such as whole wheat, gluten-free, or zucchini noodles.
- Cheese options: Use crumbled blue cheese or shaved Parmesan.
- To store, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to avoid overcooking the steak or making the pasta mushy.
- For a cold pasta salad, chill all components before mixing together.
- For dairy-free alternatives, use crumbled cashew cheese or nutritional yeast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 50mg