Creamy Steak Penne Pasta (Cheesy Restaurant Style)

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb sirloin steak (cut into thin strips)
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
• 6 tbsp butter (divided)
• 8 garlic (minced)
• 1.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 0.5 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• 2 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 0.5 cup pasta water (reserved from boiling pasta)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (for finishing)

Steps

1. 1

   Cook penne in salted water until al dente.

2. 2

   Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.

3. 3

   Season the steak strips with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. 4

   Heat olive oil with 2 tbsp of the butter in a large skillet over high heat and sear the steak until browned with dark caramelized edges, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.

5. 5

   In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp butter and sauté the bell peppers until soft and lightly charred, about 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.

6. 6

   Melt the remaining 3 tbsp butter and add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

7. 7

   Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

8. 8

   Stir in the cream cheese until smooth and melted.

9. 9

   Add the Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar, stirring until the sauce is thick, creamy, and glossy.

10. 10

    Loosen with the reserved pasta water as needed.

11. 11

    Add the penne and toss until heavily coated.

12. 12

    Fold in the steak strips and bell peppers until fully mixed.

13. 13

    Stir in the fresh parsley.

14. 14

    Garnish with the finishing Parmesan and cracked black pepper. Serve hot.

Notes

Ensure the skillet is very hot before adding the steak to get a good sear without overcooking the meat. The Italian seasoning listed in the ingredients is not explicitly mentioned in the directions but can be added during the seasoning of the steak or when simmering the sauce.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• steak
• dinner
• cheesy
• comfort food