Creamy Steak Penne with Broccoli Cheese Sauce

 Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

  Ingredients:

- 12 oz penne pasta

- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- 1 tsp garlic powder

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 3 tbsp butter

- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 cup heavy cream

- 1/2 cup whole milk

- 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese

- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

- Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, extra cheese for serving

Directions

1. Cook the pasta & broccoli: Bring a pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli well.

2. Sear the steak bites: Season the steak pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak and sear for about 2–3 minutes on each side until browned and juicy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Build the garlic base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant.

4. Make the cheese sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for about 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Reduce the heat and mix in the cheddar and parmesan cheeses until they melt into a creamy sauce. Season to taste.

5. Bring it together: Add the cooked steak, penne, and broccoli back to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a smooth, silky texture.

6. Garnish & serve: Serve the dish warm, topped with cracked black pepper, a sprinkle of parsley, and extra cheese if you like a cheesy finish!

Notes & Variations:

- For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

- Swap out the steak for grilled chicken or shrimp for a delicious variation!

- Try mixing in other veggies like bell peppers or peas for added color and flavor.

- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days; just reheat gently!