Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne
This Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne is a rich, flavorful pasta dish that pairs tender steak bites with crisp-tender broccoli in a silky garlic butter sauce. Quick to make but indulgent in flavor, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat. Every bite is buttery, garlicky, and packed with hearty steak goodness.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or your choice), cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups broccoli florets
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: crushed red pepper flakes or chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
Cook the pasta
Boil penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sear the steak
Season steak pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the steak until browned and cooked to your liking (about 3–5 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook the broccoli
In the same skillet, steam or sauté broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Remove and set aside with the steak.
Make the garlic butter sauce
Lower heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet, then add minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
Combine everything
Return steak and broccoli to the skillet. Add cooked penne and toss everything gently to coat in the garlic butter. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and stir to combine.
Serve
Garnish with crushed red pepper flakes or chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
If you're looking for a quick yet indulgent pasta dish, Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne is a fantastic choice. The key to making this dish shine is in the balance between the hearty flavors of the steak and the freshness of the broccoli, all brought together by the silky garlic butter sauce. To elevate this recipe further, consider marinating the steak pieces beforehand in a simple mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, and a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. This adds an extra layer of umami flavor and tenderizes the meat. For those wanting to add more texture and nutrition, you could toss in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts when combining all the ingredients. They provide a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the penne and steak. When cooking the broccoli, steaming it briefly instead of sautéing can retain more nutrients and give a vibrant color, which enhances the dish's visual appeal. Alternatively, roasting the broccoli florets with olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes adds a smoky depth. Experiment with different types of cheese for garnish to suit your taste. While Parmesan is classic, a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano or a dash of grated Asiago cheese can offer a sharper, saltier finish. If you enjoy a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes are a great optional garnish to add a spicy kick without overpowering the garlic butter sauce. This recipe is versatile and works well for meal prepping — simply store the components separately and combine them in a skillet to reheat, preserving the texture and flavor. Finally, for a fresh touch, a handful of chopped parsley or basil just before serving can brighten the flavors and present an inviting dish.
