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Pasta with Steak and Spinach: A Savory One-Pot Meal
Youssef Hb

Pasta with Steak and Spinach: A Savory One-Pan Meal

A rich yet effortless one-pan dish combining seared steak, peppery spinach, and al dente pasta. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or elegant dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: DINNER
Cuisine: Modern Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • New York strip steak - 1 lb (use flank steak for leaner option)
  • Dried Italian seasoning - 1 tbsp (or fresh rosemary/thyme mix)
  • Garlic powder - 1 tsp (salt to ½ tsp black pepper if preferred)
  • Salt - 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
  • Black pepper - 1 tsp (freshly ground)
  • Penne pasta - 8 oz (substitute with ziti or rigatoni)
  • Olive oil - ¼ cup (use light olive oil for higher heat)
  • Balsamic vinegar - 2 tbsp (dark balsamic recommended)
  • Dijon mustard - 1 tbsp (use whole-grain for texture)
  • Fresh spinach - 4 cups (baby spinach recommended)
  • Fresh parsley - ¼ cup (substitute with chives or basil)
  • Crumbled feta - ½ cup (replace with nutritional yeast blend if needed)

Method
 

  1. Pat steak dry with paper towels
  2. Combine Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl
  3. Coat steak evenly with seasoning
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering
  5. Sear steak 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness
  6. Use tongs to lift steak onto a plate to rest
  7. Add pasta to skillet along with a handful of spinach
  8. Sprinkle with ½ tsp salt and toss gently
  9. Add remaining spinach and sauté 2-3 minutes until wilted
  10. Whisk balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp olive oil
  11. Toss steak (add back to skillet now) with pasta-spinach mixture and sauce
  12. Stir in crumbled feta and chopped parsley
  13. Cook 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through

Notes

Let steak rest before slicing to maintain juices
Residual heat from pan helps melt feta
Adjust balsamic intensity based on sweetness preference
Save pasta water for sauce adjustments