There’s something incredibly satisfying about a hearty bowl of pasta loaded with tender steak, colorful vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Steak Vegetable Penne Pasta combines juicy strips of seasoned beef with perfectly cooked penne pasta and fresh vegetables for a meal that’s comforting, filling, and surprisingly easy to make.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight family dinner or looking for an impressive meal for guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Steak and pasta are a classic combination, but adding fresh vegetables creates a balanced meal packed with flavor and texture.
This recipe is:
- Ready in about 40 minutes
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Loaded with protein
- Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables
- Great for leftovers
- Family-friendly
Every bite offers tender steak, perfectly cooked pasta, crisp vegetables, and a savory garlic Parmesan sauce that brings everything together.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Steak
- 1½ pounds sirloin steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak
Season the steak strips with:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the steak for 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil if needed.
Cook:
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Broccoli
- Zucchini
Sauté for about 5–6 minutes until just tender.
Add minced garlic during the final minute.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium.
Add butter.
Pour in beef broth and scrape up the browned bits from the pan.
Stir in:
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the steak to the skillet.
Add the cooked pasta.
Toss until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Cook another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Step 6: Serve
Top with:
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh cracked pepper
Serve immediately with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Tips for the Best Steak Pasta
Don’t Overcook the Steak
Medium-rare to medium keeps the steak tender. Since it returns to the pan later, slightly undercook it initially.
Salt the Pasta Water
Properly seasoned pasta makes the entire dish taste better.
Use Fresh Parmesan
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Slice Against the Grain
Cutting steak against the grain ensures every bite is tender.
Delicious Variations
Spicy Version
Add:
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Cajun seasoning
- Pepper Jack cheese
Garlic Butter Version
Skip the cream and toss everything with garlic butter and herbs.
Mushroom Lovers
Double the mushrooms for an earthy, rich flavor.
Healthy Version
Substitute:
- Whole wheat penne
- Half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Extra vegetables like spinach or asparagus
What to Serve with Steak Vegetable Penne Pasta
Pair this meal with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed green beans
- Bruschetta
- Grilled zucchini
- A glass of red wine or sparkling lemonade
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of beef broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.
Freezing is possible, though cream sauces may separate slightly after thawing.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Final Thoughts
Steak Vegetable Penne Pasta is the perfect combination of comfort food and wholesome ingredients. Tender slices of seasoned steak, colorful vegetables, and creamy Parmesan sauce come together to create a satisfying meal that’s elegant enough for company yet simple enough for a busy weeknight.
If you’re looking for a dinner that everyone at the table will enjoy, this flavorful pasta recipe is sure to become a favorite. It’s hearty, colorful, and packed with rich flavors that make every bite memorable.
Share this:
- Share on X (Opens in new window) X
- Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
- Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
- Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
- Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
- Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
- Share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
- Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
- Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky

Leave a Reply