Description
This Healthy Creamy Steak Penne with Zucchini & Parmesan combines tender sirloin steak, whole wheat penne, fresh zucchini, and a smooth garlic Parmesan sauce made with milk and beef broth. A satisfying, protein-rich stovetop dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) whole wheat penne or high-protein penne
- 1 lb (450 g) lean sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) 2% milk
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Season the sirloin steak with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Transfer to a plate.
- Add the sliced zucchini to the same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender but still holding its shape. Transfer to the plate with the steak.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine with the butter and garlic.
- Gradually pour in the milk and beef broth, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce.
- Add Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. Stir as the sauce warms and thickens.
- Add the freshly grated Parmesan and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked penne and toss to coat. Pour in reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Return the steak and zucchini to the skillet. Gently toss until everything is evenly combined and heated through.
- Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Whole wheat, high-protein, or regular penne can be used according to preference.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
- Keep the heat moderate when adding Parmesan to help maintain a smooth sauce.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Healthy Creamy Steak Penne, creamy steak pasta, steak penne with zucchini, garlic Parmesan pasta, high-protein pasta dinner