If you are looking for a hearty pasta dinner with juicy steak, tender broccoli, garlic butter, and plenty of Parmesan, this Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne is an excellent recipe to make. Seared steak bites are tossed with al dente penne and crisp-tender broccoli in a buttery garlic sauce that coats every bite.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or whenever you want a steak-and-pasta combination that feels satisfying without being overly complicated. The steak adds rich flavor, the broccoli brings freshness and texture, and the garlic butter sauce ties everything together.
Serve it with garlic bread, a simple salad, or extra Parmesan for a complete and comforting dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne
This recipe combines steak, pasta, and vegetables in one easy meal.
The steak cooks quickly and develops a flavorful browned crust.
Broccoli adds color and helps balance the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
Penne works especially well because its ridges hold onto the buttery Parmesan coating.
The recipe is also easy to customize with mushrooms, spinach, red pepper flakes, or a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 1½ pounds sirloin steak, ribeye, or New York strip
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Pasta and Broccoli
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon salt for the pasta water
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ¾ cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For Garnishing
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Red pepper flakes, optional
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne
1. Prepare the Steak
Pat the steak dry with paper towels.
Cut it into approximately 1-inch bite-size pieces.
Dry steak browns much better than steak with excess surface moisture.
2. Season the Steak
Add the steak to a bowl.
Season with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Italian seasoning
Toss until evenly coated.
3. Bring the Pasta Water to a Boil
Fill a large pot with water.
Season generously with salt.
Bring to a rolling boil.
4. Cook the Penne
Add the penne.
Cook until approximately 1 minute shy of al dente according to the package directions.
5. Add the Broccoli
During the final 2–3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the pot.
This cooks the broccoli until crisp-tender without requiring another pan.
6. Reserve Pasta Water
Before draining, reserve approximately 1 cup pasta water.
Drain the pasta and broccoli.
Do not rinse.
7. Heat the Skillet
Place a large heavy skillet over medium-high to high heat.
Add the olive oil.
Let the skillet become very hot.
8. Sear the Steak
Add the steak in a single layer.
Work in batches if necessary.
Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Cook the first side for approximately 2 minutes without moving it.
9. Turn the Steak
Flip the pieces.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes, depending on preferred doneness.
The outside should be deeply browned while the center remains juicy.
10. Remove the Steak
Transfer the steak to a clean plate.
Do not leave it in the skillet while you build the sauce or it may overcook.
11. Lower the Heat
Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low.
12. Melt the Butter
Add 3 tablespoons butter.
Let it melt.
13. Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic.
Cook for approximately 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Do not let the garlic brown heavily.
14. Deglaze the Skillet
Pour in the beef broth.
Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned steak bits from the bottom.
15. Add the Seasonings
Stir in:
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes, if using
16. Simmer
Let the sauce simmer for approximately 2–3 minutes.
It should reduce slightly.
17. Add the Pasta and Broccoli
Add the drained penne and broccoli to the skillet.
Toss gently.
18. Add Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low.
Add the Parmesan gradually, tossing continuously.
19. Add Pasta Water
Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the pasta evenly.
You may not need the entire cup.
20. Add Remaining Butter
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
This gives the sauce a richer and silkier finish.
21. Add Lemon Juice
Stir in the fresh lemon juice.
The acidity helps balance the richness of the butter and steak.
22. Return the Steak
Add the cooked steak and any juices from the plate back to the skillet.
23. Toss Briefly
Toss everything together for approximately 30–60 seconds.
Do not cook for too long or the steak may become tough.
24. Check the Sauce
The pasta should look glossy rather than dry.
If necessary, add another splash of pasta water.
25. Taste and Adjust
Taste.
Add additional Parmesan, black pepper, salt, lemon, or red pepper flakes as desired.
26. Garnish
Finish with:
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
27. Serve
Serve immediately while the steak is juicy and the sauce is hot and glossy.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne
Because this dish already includes steak, pasta, and broccoli, it can easily be served on its own.
For a larger meal, pair it with:
- Garlic bread
- Cheesy breadsticks
- Caesar salad
- Garden salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Green beans
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
A simple crisp salad works especially well because it balances the richness of the garlic butter pasta.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne
Pat the steak very dry before cooking.
Use a hot skillet.
Cook the steak in batches if necessary.
Do not overcrowd the pan.
Remove the steak before making the sauce.
Cook the pasta just shy of al dente.
Reserve pasta water.
Add Parmesan over low heat.
Use freshly grated Parmesan.
Do not boil the sauce aggressively after adding cheese.
Add the steak back only at the end.
Serve immediately.
Easy Recipe Variations
Creamy Garlic Steak Penne
Add ¾ cup heavy cream after the beef broth.
Simmer gently before adding Parmesan.
Mushroom Steak Penne
Add 8 ounces sliced mushrooms after removing the steak.
Cook until deeply browned before making the garlic butter sauce.
Spicy Steak Penne
Add:
- Extra red pepper flakes
- Cayenne pepper
- Sliced jalapeños
Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta
Increase the Parmesan to 1 cup and add 2 additional garlic cloves.
Steak & Spinach Penne
Replace half the broccoli with 3 cups fresh spinach.
Stir the spinach in at the end until wilted.
Steak & Asparagus Penne
Replace broccoli with chopped asparagus.
Add it during the final few minutes of pasta cooking.
Cajun Steak Penne
Replace the steak seasoning with Cajun seasoning and add a little cream for a Cajun-style variation.
Cheesy Steak Penne
Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone at the end and stir until melted.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating on the Stovetop
Place the pasta in a skillet over low heat.
Add a splash of beef broth, milk, or water.
Cover briefly and heat gently.
Avoid prolonged cooking so the steak does not become tough.
Reheating in the Microwave
Microwave individual portions in short intervals.
Add a splash of water or broth if the pasta looks dry.
Freezing
Freezing is possible, but the pasta and broccoli may soften after thawing.
For the best texture, enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of steak works best?
Sirloin is an excellent everyday choice.
Ribeye or New York strip can be used for a richer version.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes.
Cook it only until heated and tender, and drain it thoroughly before adding to the pasta.
Why is my steak tough?
It may have been overcooked, overcrowded in the pan, or simmered too long after being returned to the sauce.
Can I make this creamy?
Yes.
Add heavy cream before the Parmesan for a richer sauce.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Absolutely.
Rigatoni, rotini, ziti, farfalle, or fettuccine all work.
Why should I save pasta water?
The starch in pasta water helps the butter, Parmesan, and broth combine into a smoother sauce that clings to the pasta.
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes.
Cook chicken to 165°F (74°C) before combining it with the pasta.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes.
Mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, peas, or zucchini all work well.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak & Broccoli Penne combines juicy seared steak, tender penne, crisp broccoli, fresh garlic, butter, beef broth, Parmesan, and herbs in one satisfying pasta dinner.
The key is searing the steak quickly in a hot pan, removing it before making the sauce, and adding it back only at the end so it stays tender and juicy.
Serve it immediately with extra Parmesan and garlic bread for an easy family dinner that is savory, buttery, garlicky, and packed with steakhouse-inspired flavor.