Juicy garlic butter steak bites, tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked penne tossed in a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce. A restaurant-style dinner ready in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4
Introduction
Creamy garlic Parmesan steak and broccoli penne recipe with tender steak bites, broccoli, penne pasta and rich Parmesan sauce is the kind of dinner that makes everyone excited to gather around the table. Imagine juicy, golden-seared steak bites nestled between tender pasta and vibrant green broccoli, all coated in a silky garlic Parmesan sauce. It's rich, comforting, and surprisingly simple to prepare. I love making this dish when I want something special without spending hours cooking. The secret is searing the steak separately, then adding it back at the end. That way, every bite stays tender while the pasta absorbs all that delicious creamy flavor.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites
- 1 lb (450 g) sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt
For the Pasta and Broccoli
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- 3 cups (270 g) fresh broccoli florets
- Salt, for the pasta water
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the penne: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water before draining.
- Cook the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water during the final 2–3 minutes of cooking. Drain with the pasta once the broccoli turns bright green and becomes tender-crisp.
- Season the steak: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. Toss with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Sear the steak bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until beautifully browned. Work in batches if necessary. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 3 minced garlic cloves during the final 30 seconds, then transfer the steak to a plate.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet and sauté the remaining garlic for about 30 seconds. Pour in the beef broth and cream, stirring to release the flavorful browned bits from the skillet.
- Add the Parmesan: Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, then reduce the heat to low. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine everything: Add the drained penne and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently until evenly coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
- Finish and serve: Return the steak bites and their juices to the pasta. Toss briefly to warm through, sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Steak and Broccoli Penne
- Choose tender steak: Sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip work beautifully for juicy steak bites.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet: Cooking in batches creates a golden crust instead of steaming the meat.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts more smoothly than many packaged pre-shredded varieties.
- Keep the sauce gentle: Avoid boiling after adding Parmesan to prevent a grainy texture.
- Save pasta water: Its starch helps the creamy sauce cling beautifully to every piece of penne.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy garlic Parmesan steak and broccoli penne is satisfying enough to serve as a complete dinner. Pair it with warm garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted cherry tomatoes for a fresh contrast.
For an extra restaurant-style presentation, serve in a large white pasta bowl with freshly grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool promptly and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until thoroughly heated, taking care not to overcook the steak.
Freezing is not recommended because cream-based sauces may separate after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best steak for creamy Parmesan pasta?
Sirloin is an excellent choice because it's flavorful, tender, and cooks quickly. Ribeye and New York strip are also delicious alternatives.
2. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well. Cook it until just tender, drain thoroughly, and avoid overcooking so it doesn't become mushy in the cream sauce.
3. Can I make this pasta without heavy cream?
Yes. Half-and-half can create a lighter sauce, although it won't be quite as rich. Keep the heat low to help prevent separation.
4. How do I keep the steak tender?
Pat the steak dry, sear it quickly in a hot skillet, and avoid overcooking. Add it back to the finished pasta just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This creamy garlic Parmesan steak and broccoli penne brings together juicy steak bites, perfectly cooked pasta, fresh broccoli, and a luxurious garlic cheese sauce in one irresistible meal.
It's comforting enough for a cozy family dinner and impressive enough for special occasions. Serve it warm with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a homemade dinner everyone will want again!
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