Creamy Steak Bites Penne: A Quick One-Skillet Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To enhance the flavor of the dish, you can deglaze the skillet with a splash of beef broth after searing the steak but before adding the peppers. This helps lift the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Ensure the liquid is mostly evaporated before adding the pasta to maintain the desired texture of the final dish.

If the mixture seems too dry during the final step, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. This starchy liquid helps maintain the creaminess of the cheese without diluting the flavor.

Always add the liquid gradually, stirring constantly, until you reach your preferred consistency. This simple adjustment ensures the pasta remains perfectly coated and delicious until the very last bite.

Variations

• Spicy Steak Penne: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet when sautéing the bell peppers to introduce a pleasant heat that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• Mushroom Steak Penne: Include a cup of sliced cremini mushrooms alongside the bell peppers. Sauté them until they are golden brown to add an earthy depth and extra texture to the dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Not recommended, as the cheese texture will degrade upon thawing.

Reheat

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to restore the consistency.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure the dish has cooled to room temperature, but do not leave it out for more than two hours.

Proper storage helps maintain the quality of the pasta and the integrity of the melted cheese. When stored correctly, the leftovers can be enjoyed for up to three days, making this an excellent option for meal planning.

While this dish is best served immediately, you can prepare the components ahead of time to speed up the process. The steak can be cut and the peppers diced earlier in the day.

The pasta can be cooked to al dente and kept in the refrigerator, tossed with a little oil to prevent sticking. When ready to eat, simply sear the steak and follow the steps to combine everything in the skillet.

Serving ideas

Serve this creamy steak bites penne in warm bowls to help maintain the temperature of the cheese. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley, can add a bright contrast to the rich flavors of the steak and cheese. Because this is a hearty dish, it pairs wonderfully with a side of simple steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the meal.

For an extra touch, consider serving with a side of toasted crusty bread to soak up any remaining bits of cheese and steak in the bowl.

The combination of the tender steak and the velvety pasta makes for a complete and satisfying dinner that requires very little else. Present the dish while it is still steaming hot, as the texture of the cheese is best when freshly melted and stretchy.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Steak Bites Penne: A Quick One-Skillet Dinner

Prep 15 minCook 20 minRest 5 minTotal 40 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups bell peppers, diced
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized steak pieces and sear until browned on all sides. Once the steak reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), remove the pieces from the skillet and let them rest for at least 3 minutes.
2. In the same skillet, sauté the diced bell peppers until they are softened. Meanwhile, cook the penne in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and add it to the skillet with the sautéed peppers.
3. Add the seared steak bites back to the skillet with the pasta and peppers. Fold in the shredded cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese is melted and creates a creamy, stretchy coating over the penne and steak.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

580

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

52 g

Fat

26 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.