Healthy Creamy Steak Penne with Zucchini & Parmesan
A delicious creamy pasta dish featuring tender steak, fresh zucchini, and a rich parmesan sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb steak (sirloin recommended)
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- to taste olive oil for cooking
- to taste salt and pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Steak
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak with salt and pepper, then sear it in the skillet until browned and cooked to your desired doneness (about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare). Remove from the skillet and let it rest.
Sautéing the Zucchini
- In the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil if needed and toss in the sliced zucchini and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the zucchini is tender but still crisp.
Making the Sauce
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Add in the grated parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Combining Ingredients
- Slice the rested steak into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet along with the drained penne. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce.
Garnishing and Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for an added pop of color and flavor.
Notes
For gluten-free options, use gluten-free penne. You can swap the zucchini for other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. To lighten the sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or chicken broth; add more cheese to maintain creaminess.