Pepper Steak Pasta Delight Recipe

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Pepper Steak Pasta Delight is a flavorful fusion of two beloved dishes: pepper steak and pasta. The tenderness of juicy steak strips, the burst of flavor from colorful bell peppers, combined with the richness of a creamy pasta sauce, creates a memorable culinary experience. This dish can be perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasions, thanks to its balance of hearty protein and fresh vegetables, along with a comforting pasta base.

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Let’s break down this recipe into manageable components to ensure that you can make this dish with ease, no matter your cooking experience. From prepping the steak to making the sauce, I’ll guide you through it.

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Preparation

1. Preparing the Steak

The key to a successful pepper steak is to get your steak perfectly tender and infused with the right flavors. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Slice the Steak
  Begin by trimming any excess fat from your flank or sirloin steak. Then, slice the steak into thin strips against the grain. This will ensure the steak is tender and easy to chew.

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• Step 2: Marinate the Steak
  In a medium bowl, combine the steak strips with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly, making sure the steak is well-coated. Let this marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour for deeper flavor.

2. Cooking the Pasta

• Step 1: Boil the Pasta
  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

• Step 2: Drain the Pasta
  Once cooked, drain the pasta using a colander and set aside. Save about 1 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency later if needed.

3. Preparing the Pepper and Steak Vegetables

While your steak is marinating and the pasta is cooking, prep your vegetables:

• Step 1: Slice the Bell Peppers
  Cut the red, yellow, and green bell peppers into thin strips, discarding the stems and seeds. Set these aside.

• Step 2: Slice the Onion
  Peel and slice the onion into thin rings or half-moons. You can also use a red onion for extra color and sweetness.

4. Cooking the Steak and Vegetables

• Step 1: Sear the Steak
  Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated steak strips and sear them for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

• Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
  In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften but still have a slight crunch. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

• Step 3: Combine Steak and Vegetables
  Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Making the Creamy Sauce

• Step 1: Heat the Cream and Milk
  In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir occasionally and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Step 2: Add Parmesan
  Once the cream mixture starts to bubble lightly, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

• Step 3: Finish the Sauce
  Stir in the butter and let it melt into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or garlic powder, if needed.

6. Combining the Pasta, Steak, and Sauce

• Step 1: Add Pasta to the Skillet
  Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the steak and vegetables. If the skillet is too small, transfer everything to a large pot. Toss the pasta, steak, and vegetables together to combine.

• Step 2: Pour the Creamy Sauce
  Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta mixture and stir gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

• Step 3: Serve
  Plate the Pepper Steak Pasta Delight and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

1. Choosing the Right Cut of Steak: Flank steak or sirloin are both great choices because they are flavorful and tender when sliced thinly. Avoid tougher cuts like chuck or round steak.

2. Searing the Steak: Searing the steak in batches helps to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensures even browning.

3. Adjusting the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes; for a lighter sauce, add a little pasta water to loosen it.

4. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap or add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to suit your preferences.

5. Spice It Up: If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based steak alternatives or tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free meal.
• Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or use spicy peppers in the vegetable mix for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Pepper Steak Pasta Delight is a versatile and delicious recipe that combines the savory taste of pepper steak with creamy pasta. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or experiment with some variations, you’ll end up with a satisfying meal that will please your taste buds. Enjoy it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad to complete the dish.

This recipe can easily be adapted to suit dietary preferences and is a great option for those looking to add more variety to their weeknight meals. Happy cooking!

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Steak:
• 1 lb flank steak (or sirloin steak), thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• For the Pasta:
• 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
• For the Sauce:
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp honey (optional for sweetness)
• 1 tsp ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
• 2 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry)
• Garnish:
• Fresh parsley or basil (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta:
   Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Steak:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
   Season the thinly sliced steak with soy sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
   Add the steak to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary. Add sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until vegetables are softened.
   Add beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
   In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the skillet and stir well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Combine Pasta, Steak, and Sauce:
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta with the sauce and vegetables.
   Add the cooked steak back into the skillet and toss to combine everything evenly.
5. Serve:
   Serve the pepper steak pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

• Steak Options: Flank steak is recommended for its tenderness when sliced thinly, but you can use sirloin, rib-eye, or any other cut you prefer.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of black pepper and red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for additional flavor and texture.
• Make It Creamy: For a creamier version, you can stir in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

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