Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes (substitute with ribeye or flank steak for more marbling)
- 8 ounces shell pasta (small or medium size works best; farfalle or penne can also be used)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth as a lighter alternative)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes, for a bit of heat
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. This helps achieve that beautiful sear. Season generously with salt, pepper, and the dried Italian seasoning.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak bites in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook in batches. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits—this is where the flavor lives! Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Add the cooked pasta and steak bites back into the skillet, tossing everything gently to combine and coat with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side for sprinkling. Watch as your family digs in and the quiet moments of appreciation begin—that’s the magic of this dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International