Lemon Zest Beef and Broccoli Pasta
A vibrant one-pan pasta dish combining tender beef strips, crisp broccoli, and zesty lemon that creates a deliciously balanced weeknight meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta penne or fusilli work best
- 1 lb sirloin steak thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets about 2 medium heads
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup pasta water reserved from cooking
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Add broccoli florets during the final 3 minutes of cooking time.
- While pasta cooks, prepare the beef. Season sliced beef with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
- Sear the beef in a single layer for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but still slightly pink inside. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Remove beef to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and broccoli, then add them directly to the skillet with the garlic.
- Return beef to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water, tossing everything together.
- Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring until the cheese melts and creates a light sauce that coats everything evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately topped with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the beef slices in 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon honey for 15 minutes before cooking.
- The pasta water is crucial for creating a silky sauce—don't skip this ingredient!
- This dish comes together quickly, so have all ingredients prepped before starting to cook.
- For meal prep, you can cook the pasta and broccoli ahead of time, then reheat with freshly cooked beef.
- The lemon zest can be prepared in advance, but only juice the lemons just before using for the brightest flavor.