Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish: Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne! This recipe has a special place in my heart because it brings back memories of cozy dinners with friends, where laughter fills the air and the aroma of garlic and steak wafts through the kitchen. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! The best part? It’s incredibly quick and easy to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or when you just want to impress someone special without spending hours in the kitchen.

With tender steak, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked penne all tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, every bite is a delightful explosion of flavor. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’s going to become a go-to in your home too! So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this delicious recipe.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne

Okay, let’s talk about why this Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne is a total game-changer! First off, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means fewer dishes to wash—yay! You can have a wholesome meal on the table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need something delicious but don’t have hours to spare.

The flavor combination is simply out of this world! The rich, buttery garlic sauce clings to the al dente penne, while the juicy pieces of steak and crisp-tender broccoli create a beautiful balance of textures. You get that savory, mouthwatering taste that’s sure to impress anyone who sits down at your table.

This dish is also super versatile! Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, trying to impress a date, or having a fun family dinner, this recipe works for all occasions. Plus, it’s gluten-free if you’re using the right penne, ensuring everyone can enjoy it. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Now that you’re all fired up to make this Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne, let’s gather our ingredients! I promise, they’re pretty simple, and you might even have some of them sitting in your pantry right now.

Pasta and Protein

• 12 oz penne pasta: This is the star of our dish! It’s the perfect shape for holding onto that delicious garlic butter sauce. If you’re gluten-free, just grab a gluten-free penne to keep everyone happy!
• 1 lb steak: You can choose your favorite cut here—sirloin, ribeye, or whatever you fancy! Just make sure it’s cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.

Vegetables and Seasoning

• 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh is best here! You want them bright green and crisp. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• 5 cloves garlic, minced: Ah, the magic ingredient! Use fresh garlic for that punchy flavor. You can adjust this to your taste—more if you’re a garlic lover!
• Salt and black pepper, to taste: Don’t skip seasoning! It’s essential for bringing all the flavors to life.

Fats and Garnishes

• 2 tbsp olive oil: This helps to sear the steak beautifully and adds a nice flavor.
• 4 tbsp butter: The secret to that rich, buttery sauce! Trust me, don’t skimp on this—your taste buds will thank you.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a lovely creaminess and depth to the dish. Feel free to sprinkle a little extra on top when serving!
• Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes or chopped parsley for garnish. A little heat from the red pepper can really elevate the dish, while parsley adds a lovely fresh touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pasta

Let’s kick things off by cooking our penne pasta! Bring a large pot of salted water to a roaring boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in the 12 oz of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—usually about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and give it a stir every now and then to prevent sticking. While that’s cooking, you can multitask and get everything else ready. Once the pasta is done, be sure to drain it well and set it aside. Don’t rinse it, though! We want that starchy goodness to help the sauce stick later on.

Cooking the Steak

Now, let’s move on to the star of the show: our steak! Take your 1 lb of steak and cut it into bite-sized pieces if you haven’t already. Season those lovely morsels with a generous sprinkle of salt and black pepper—this will really amp up the flavor. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned steak to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is nicely browned and cooked through. You want it juicy and tender! Once it’s done, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside. This step is crucial because we’ll be using that same skillet for the next parts, so don’t wash it yet!

Combining Ingredients

Okay, now for the fun part! In the same skillet, add 4 tablespoons of butter and let it melt over medium heat. As soon as it’s melted, toss in those 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Wow, the smell is going to be amazing! Next, add in your 2 cups of broccoli florets. Sauté those for about 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. Now, return the cooked steak to the skillet—mix it all together! Finally, add in the drained penne pasta and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until it’s well combined and the pasta is coated in that glorious garlic butter sauce. If you want to jazz it up, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or parsley on top. Serve it hot, and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal!

Variations

One of the best things about Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne is how adaptable it is! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the steak for chicken or shrimp for a different protein twist. Just make sure to adjust your cooking times accordingly—chicken should be cooked through, and shrimp cooks up super quickly!

If you want to switch things up veggie-wise, toss in some bell peppers, snap peas, or even some spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. You could also use asparagus when it’s in season—such a delightful addition!

For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese just before serving. This gives the dish a nice richness that’s just divine. And if you’re looking to make it a bit lighter, use whole wheat or chickpea penne, which will add extra fiber and protein!

Lastly, if you’re cooking for a crowd, double the recipe! It holds up well for leftovers and makes a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeks ahead. You’ll always have a delicious dish ready to go!

Serving and Storage Tips

When it comes to serving Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne, you want to present it hot and fresh! This dish is perfect on its own, but if you want to elevate your meal, serve it with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Trust me, your guests will be raving!

Now, if you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), let them cool down to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store this dish in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to bring back that creamy texture. If you want to freeze it, you can do that too! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it’ll keep for about a month. Just remember, the broccoli might lose a bit of its crunch after freezing, but the flavors will still be on point!

Helpful Notes

Before you dive into making this Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne, here are a few handy tips to make your cooking experience even better! First off, always go for high-quality steak. It really makes a difference in flavor and tenderness, so splurge a little if you can! And if you’re a garlic lover like me, don’t hesitate to add an extra clove or two—garlic is the magic ingredient here!

If you’re short on time, you can prep your ingredients ahead of time. Chop the broccoli and mince the garlic the night before, and you’ll cut down on your cooking time significantly. Also, consider using a pot with a strainer lid for the pasta; it makes draining so much easier! Lastly, remember that this dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it still warms up beautifully—just be gentle when reheating!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze this? Absolutely! You can freeze Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne in an airtight container for up to a month. Just keep in mind that the broccoli may lose some crunch, but the flavors will still be delicious when reheated.

2. What if I don’t have steak? No worries at all! You can easily swap the steak for chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can! While penne is perfect for this dish, feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand—farfalle, fusilli, or even spaghetti will work just fine!

4. How spicy is this dish? It’s all up to you! The crushed red pepper flakes are optional, so you can leave them out for a milder version or add more for some heat. Adjust it according to your taste!

5. What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese? If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. You could also use a vegan Parmesan if you prefer!

Final Thoughts

I really can’t stress enough how much I adore this Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne! It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings everyone to the table, ready to dig in and enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself after a long day or hosting a dinner with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up, which means more time for laughter and less time stressing in the kitchen!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients, put on your favorite playlist, and let’s make some delicious memories! I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds! Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!

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