Hey there, pasta lovers! If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor and can be whipped up in under 20 minutes, you’re in the right place. This Pepper Steak Pasta combines juicy steak, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in one scrumptious dish. Whether you’re in a rush or just craving something tasty, this recipe has got you covered. Let’s dive right into it!
Method
Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions. It usually takes about 8-10 minutes for the pasta to reach the perfect al dente texture. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Once done, reserve about a cup of pasta water and then drain the rest of the water from the pasta. This reserved water will help to loosen the sauce later if needed.
Prepare the Steak
While the pasta is cooking, season your sirloin steak generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Then, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the steak to the pan and sear it for 1-2 minutes on each side to achieve a golden-brown crust. This quick sear will lock in the steak’s juices, ensuring it stays tender and juicy. Once seared, remove the steak from the pan and set it aside on a cutting board to rest. Do not clean the pan; we’ll use all the delicious juices left behind in the next steps.
Cook the Veggies and Sauce
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add a knob of butter. Allow the butter to melt and become slightly foamy. Once melted, toss in the finely sliced onions. Sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become lightly golden. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and crushed black peppercorns to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, letting the mushrooms cook down and the garlic become fragrant. Then, sprinkle in the dried thyme and all-purpose seasoning, and mix to incorporate. Lower the heat and pour in the double cream, stirring continuously. Allow the cream to heat through and combine with the other ingredients. Once heated, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it fully melts, forming a rich, creamy sauce.
Combine the Pasta
Once the pasta is drained, add the reserved pasta water to the pan with the creamy sauce. Stir gently to combine everything, allowing the pasta water to help bind the sauce to the pasta. Then, add the cooked pasta to the pan, stirring carefully to ensure the spaghetti is well-coated with the sauce.
Slice and Serve
Now, return to the rested steak. Slice it thinly against the grain, which helps to keep the meat tender. Add the sliced steak to the pasta, either stirring it through to mix, or you can place it on top of the pasta for a more elegant presentation. Finally, sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the pasta immediately while it’s hot, and enjoy every bite of your hearty Pepper Steak Pasta!
Necessary Tools
- 1 Large pan
- 1 Pot for boiling pasta
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Grater for Parmesan
- Tongs or a fork to toss pasta
Pepper Steak Pasta: A Quick and Delicious Meal
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy2
servings5
minutes15
minutes20
minutesIngredients
1 Sirloin steak
50g Mushrooms, sliced
200g Spaghetti
1 Small onion, finely sliced
1 tbsp Garlic, minced
150ml Double cream
1/4 cup Parmesan, grated
1/2 tsp Crushed black peppercorns
1/2 tsp Dried thyme
1 tsp All-purpose seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped
Olive oil
Butter
Directions
- Cook the pasta:
Begin by boiling the pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to add salt to the water to enhance the flavor. Set a timer to keep track of the cooking time. - Prepare the steak:
Season the sirloin steak generously with salt and black pepper. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the steak on both sides for 1-2 minutes. This will give it a nice, crispy exterior while keeping it juicy inside. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside to rest. Don’t wash the pan just yet – we’ll need those delicious steak juices! - Cook the veggies and sauce:
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add a knob of butter and let it melt. Once melted, toss in the sliced onions and sauté them until they’re lightly golden and softened. Then add the minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and crushed black peppercorns. Stir them around until everything turns golden and fragrant. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and all-purpose seasoning, mixing everything together. Turn the heat down and pour in the double cream, stirring it until everything is well combined. Let the cream heat through before adding the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. - Combine the pasta:
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Add the reserved pasta water and cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. - Slice and serve:
Slice the rested steak thinly and add it to the pasta, either stirring it in or placing it on top, whichever you prefer. Garnish with more Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately, and enjoy your hearty Pepper Steak Pasta!
Notes
- When searing the steak, be sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can cause the steak to steam rather than sear, which results in a less crispy crust.
- Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining! The pasta water helps to make the sauce silkier and allows it to stick to the pasta better.
- When slicing the steak, make sure to cut against the grain for the best texture and tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh side salad or some crispy garlic bread for an extra touch of flavor. You can also serve it with a glass of red wine if you’re feeling fancy. For a lighter option, try pairing it with some steamed veggies on the side.
Fun Fact
Did you know that steak is packed with protein, iron, and essential nutrients? It’s a great addition to any meal if you’re looking to fuel your body with high-quality nutrition.
Conclusion
There you have it – a delicious and easy-to-make Pepper Steak Pasta that’s full of flavor and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or making dinner for two, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s quick, it’s creamy, and it’s packed with all the right ingredients for a satisfying meal. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I did!
