Steak Fajita Pasta

When the savory aroma of seared steak fills the kitchen, it beckons family and friends to gather around the table. This dish combines the bold flavors of fajitas with satisfying penne pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a quick yet hearty meal perfect for any night of the week.

This recipe is perfect for anyone craving a comforting, filling dinner that delivers on flavor and satisfaction. You can whip it up for a weeknight family meal or impress guests at a dinner party. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, making it a great make-ahead option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The flank steak is tender, juicy, and full of flavor from the spice rub.
• Creamy pasta sauce perfectly coats each piece of penne, creating a satisfying bite.
• It features colorful vegetables that add freshness and crunch to the dish.
• Cooking everything in one skillet makes for easy cleanup.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious dish.

For the Steak

• 1 2-lb flank steak, scored
• Olive oil, for drizzling

For the Fajita Spice Mixture

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

For the Vegetables

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic

For the Pasta

• 3 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
• 1.5 cups heavy cream

For Serving

• Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

Use a different cut of steak if preferred.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Heavy cream can be swapped for half-and-half.
• Flank steak can be replaced with skirt steak.
• Garlic powder can be replaced with fresh garlic.
• Penne pasta can be substituted with any pasta shape.

How to Make It

Get ready to enjoy a flavor-packed meal with these simple steps.

Score

Score the top of the flank steak in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4-inch deep. Drizzle with just enough olive oil to coat.

Combine Spices

Combine ingredients for the fajita spice mixture. Set aside 2 teaspoons to add later, then rub the remaining spices all over both sides of the flank steak.

Heat Skillet

Heat a very large skillet over high heat. Drizzle just enough olive oil into the skillet to coat the bottom. When the oil is shimmering, add the flank steak, scored side down, and cook for 4 minutes without disturbing.

Flip and Cook

Flip the flank steak and continue cooking over high heat for another 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, remove the steak to a cutting board, and cover it with foil.

Boil Pasta Water

Put a pot of water on to boil for the pasta.

Sauté Vegetables

Chop the peppers and onions, then add them to the same skillet the steak was cooked in. Sauté for 4 minutes over medium-high heat, adding more oil if necessary. Add the garlic and reserved 2 teaspoons of the fajita spice mixture, and continue cooking for 1 minute longer. Turn off heat until the pasta is ready.

Cook Pasta

Cook the pasta in liberally salted water for 2 minutes less than al dente preparation instructions. The last minute of cooking, remove 1 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta.

Combine Sauce

Add the reserved hot pasta water to the skillet with peppers and heat over high heat until boiling. Add the heavy cream and cooked pasta, then cook and gently stir until the sauce has reduced and thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed.

Rest and Slice

Cut the rested flank steak into thin strips, then stir into the pasta. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

How to Store It

Fridge: Keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: No, the cream-based sauce doesn’t freeze well.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Let the flank steak rest before cutting for better juiciness.
• Use a sharp knife to slice the steak for clean cuts.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder if desired.
• Ensure the pasta is well-coated with sauce for better flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a fresh garden salad for added crunch.
• Pair with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Enjoy with a side of your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.