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Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne

This Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne is a quick and incredibly satisfying meal. Tender steak and vibrant broccoli are tossed with penne pasta in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Weeknight Meal
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta or your favorite short pasta shape
  • 1 lb steak sirloin, ribeye, or flank, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets fresh
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • crushed red pepper flakes optional, for garnish
  • fresh parsley chopped, optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large skillet
  • Tongs or Spatula

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta. Get a big pot of salted water boiling. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Sear the Steak. Pat steak pieces dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer (do not overcrowd) and cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Step 3: Cook the Broccoli. In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside with the steak.
  4. Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce. Reduce the heat under your skillet to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Once bubbly, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just 1-2 minutes until wonderfully fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Step 5: Combine Everything. Return the seared steak and cooked broccoli to the skillet with the garlic butter. Add the drained penne as well. Toss everything gently to ensure all ingredients are coated in the luscious garlic butter sauce.
  6. Step 6: Finish and Serve. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and give it another good stir to combine. Serve your Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne immediately. Optionally, garnish each plate with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

This versatile dish welcomes substitutions: use rigatoni, rotini, or whole wheat pasta. Swap steak for chicken, shrimp, or sausage. Add more vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. For an extra creamy sauce, stir in ΒΌ cup heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese. A squeeze of lemon juice or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can brighten the flavors.
When searing steak, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook broccoli until tender-crisp and watch garlic carefully to prevent burning. Remember to reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water; freezing is not recommended.