Why You’ll Love This Steak Pasta Recipe
You’ll absolutely love this steak pasta recipe because it combines the rich flavors of marinated pork tenderloin with the comforting texture of spaghetti.
The tender pork, juicy and infused with the marinade, perfectly complements the al dente pasta. Each bite is a delightful blend of savory and satisfying.
I also adore how quick and easy it’s to whip up on a busy weeknight. Plus, the addition of garlic and peas adds a burst of flavor and color, making it not just delicious but visually appealing.
Trust me, this dish will become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients of Steak Pasta
When it comes to a hearty dish that warms your soul, this steak pasta recipe truly hits the spot. The blend of marinated pork tenderloin and spaghetti isn’t just satisfying, but it’s also a fun way to mix things up for dinner.
It’s simple to grab the ingredients, and you probably have most of them in your pantry already. Honestly, who doesn’t love a good pasta dish that can be made in under an hour? Let’s plunge into what you need to gather before we get cooking!
Ingredients for Steak Pasta:
- 250 g spaghetti, cooked per package directions
- 1/4 kg pork tenderloin, sliced thinly
- 8 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 385 g spaghetti sauce
- 1/2 cup green peas, cooked
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into rings
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for marinating)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (for marinating)
- 1/2 tsp iodized fine salt (or 1/2 tbsp iodized rock salt for marinating)
- 1/8 tsp pepper (for marinating)
- 1/4 cup oil (for frying)
Now, let’s talk a bit about the ingredients. The beauty of this dish is its versatility. If you’re not a fan of pork, you could easily swap it out for chicken or even beef—just keep the marinade in mind to keep those flavors intact.
And don’t forget about the spices; feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste, or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. The garlic is a must, in my opinion, because it adds richness that pairs beautifully with the pork and spaghetti sauce.
How to Make Steak Pasta
Alright, let’s embark on the cooking part of this delicious steak pasta recipe. First up, you’ll want to marinate your 1/4 kg of thinly sliced pork tenderloin. In a bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of iodized fine salt (or 1/2 tablespoon of iodized rock salt if that’s what you have), and a dash of 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Add in half of those 8 crushed garlic cloves for a flavor kick! Let that marinate for about 30 minutes.
While the pork is soaking up all those delicious flavors, you can take a moment to reminisce about the last time you made a meal that made your taste buds dance—because trust me, this one will.
Now, it’s time to get the kitchen sizzling. Heat up 1/4 cup of oil in a pan, and once it’s hot, toss in the remaining garlic cloves. Sauté them until golden brown, and then set them aside. In that same glorious oil, add your marinated pork slices and fry them until they’re beautifully browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan; give those little guys some space to shine.
Once they’re cooked, set them aside too. Now, grab that large onion and sauté it in the same pan until it’s soft and translucent. There’s something about the smell of sautéing onions that just makes everything feel right in the world, doesn’t it?
Next, pour in your 385 g of spaghetti sauce and add about 1/4 cup of water to thin it out a bit. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and then fold in half of the fried pork slices. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, so all those flavors can meld together beautifully.
After that, pour in 1/4 cup of evaporated milk, add in your 1/2 cup of cooked green peas, and the rings of your 1 medium red bell pepper. Let it simmer for another 3 minutes.
Now, here comes the fun part: take your cooked spaghetti—remember that 250 g you set aside?—and pour the sauce over it. Mix it all together, and don’t forget to top it with the remaining pork slices and those beautifully golden garlic cloves.
And just like that, you have a comforting plate of steak pasta that’s bound to impress!
Steak Pasta Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your steak pasta, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can explore.
For a twist, try using shrimp or chicken instead of steak. You can swap spaghetti for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
If you’re not a fan of peas, consider adding spinach or broccoli for a vibrant touch. Experimenting with different sauces, like Alfredo or a light olive oil and lemon dressing, can also elevate the dish.
And if you’re craving more veggies, toss in some mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition!
Additional Tips & Notes
To make your steak pasta even more delightful, consider prepping your ingredients ahead of time. Chop your vegetables and marinate the pork the night before for maximum flavor.
When cooking, don’t rush; let the garlic sauté until it’s golden brown for that irresistible aroma. I like to use fresh peas when possible, but frozen works too—just thaw them first.
If you want a creamier sauce, feel free to adjust the evaporated milk to your taste. Finally, don’t skip the finishing touch of crispy garlic on top; it adds a wonderful texture.
Enjoy your cooking adventure!