Pepper Steak Pasta Delight is a delicious, hearty dish that combines the savory flavors of tender steak, colorful bell peppers, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with satisfying flavors, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Here’s a recipe for Pepper Steak Pasta Delight:
Pepper Steak Pasta Delight Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak (or any cut of steak you prefer, thinly sliced against the grain)
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced (any color—red, green, yellow, or orange)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for a bit of sweetness and depth)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance out the sauce)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (for a creamy finish, optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside. Save about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later to help create a smooth sauce.
2. Cook the Steak:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced steak to the pan in a single layer. Let it sear without stirring for about 2-3 minutes until browned, then flip the steak to sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes. You want the steak to be browned but still juicy on the inside.
- Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the onion and bell peppers, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and become slightly caramelized.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce:
- Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
- Add the balsamic vinegar (if using), paprika, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and sugar (if using). Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
5. Combine Steak and Pasta:
- Return the cooked steak to the pan, along with any juices from the plate. Stir to combine with the sauce and vegetables.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out and help the sauce coat the pasta better.
6. Finish with Cream (Optional):
- If you want a creamy texture, stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes. This will add richness and smoothness to the dish.
7. Serve:
- Once everything is well mixed and heated through, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetable Additions: You can add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for more flavor and texture.
- Protein Variations: If you prefer chicken, chicken breast or thighs would work well in place of the steak. For a vegetarian version, try using tofu or tempeh as a substitute.
- Heat Level: If you like more spice, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a diced jalapeño when sautéing the veggies.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and tamari or coconut aminos as a soy sauce substitute to make this dish gluten-free.
This Pepper Steak Pasta Delight is a savory and satisfying dish with tender steak, sweet bell peppers, and a rich sauce that brings everything together. It’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation! Enjoy it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.