Imagine a dish that combines the robust flavors of perfectly seasoned steak, creamy sauce, and tender pasta – a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast. This Penne with Pan-Fried Pepper Steak recipe brings restaurant-quality dining directly to your home kitchen, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 350g penne (12 oz)
- Salt for cooking water
For the Pepper Steak:
- 400-500g (1-1.1 lbs) steak (rump, sirloin, or flank)
- 2 tablespoons crushed mixed peppercorns (black, green, pink)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt to taste
For the Sauce:
- 200ml (6.8 fl oz) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon veal stock or soy sauce
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
For Serving:
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
- Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente
- Drain pasta and set aside, drizzling with a little olive oil to prevent sticking
2. Cook the Pepper Steak
- Remove steak from refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking
- Generously coat steak with crushed peppercorns and light salt
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet
- Add minced garlic and sear steak 2-3 minutes per side
- Remove steak, let rest under foil for 5 minutes
- Slice steak into thin strips
3. Create the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped shallots
- Deglaze pan with water or broth if needed
- Add cream, mustard, and veal stock/soy sauce
- Simmer 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens
- Adjust seasoning to taste
4. Final Assembly
- Add drained penne to the sauce, mixing thoroughly
- Gently fold in steak strips to keep meat tender
- Warm briefly to combine flavors
Nutrition and Serving Details
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Estimated Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 550-600
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 28g
Why This Recipe is Fantastic
This Penne with Pan-Fried Pepper Steak isn’t just a meal – it’s a celebration of flavor and technique. The combination of peppercorn-crusted steak, al dente pasta, and rich, velvety sauce offers a perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and indulgent creaminess.
The dish provides high-quality protein from the steak, complex carbohydrates from the pasta, and beneficial nutrients from the herbs and spices. The crushed peppercorns not only add a bold flavor but also offer potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad
- Enjoy with a glass of robust red wine
- Garnish with extra fresh parsley for brightness
Bon appétit! This restaurant-quality meal is sure to become a favorite in your home cooking repertoire.