Description
A fast, flavor-loaded weeknight hero: tender seared steak tossed with al dente pasta in a glossy sweet‑heat garlic sauce. This quick dinner doubles as an easy recipe for date night, checks the dinner ideas box, and even works as next‑day food ideas for lunch. Bold garlic, a kiss of chili, and a balancing touch of honey make it a go‑to for easy dinner cravings—comforting yet punchy.
Ingredients
1 lb flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced after cooking
12 oz spaghetti or linguine
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2–1 tsp red chili flakes
3 tbsp low‑sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
2–3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup pasta cooking water, as needed
Instructions
1. Season steak all over with salt and black pepper; let sit 15 minutes at room temperature.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water and drain.
3. Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high. Sear steak 3–4 minutes per side to desired doneness; transfer to a plate to rest.
4. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet; cook 20–30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
5. Stir in soy sauce, honey, and chili flakes; simmer 30–60 seconds until glossy.
6. Slice steak thinly against the grain. Toss drained pasta into the skillet, adding splashes of pasta water until the sauce clings silkily.
7. Fold in steak and parsley. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and heat.
8. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, then serve hot.
Notes
Rest the steak before slicing so the juices redistribute and every bite stays tender.
Use pasta water to control sauce body—add gradually until silky.
Start light on chili flakes; you can always add more heat at the end.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 58
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 75
Keywords: quick dinner, easy recipe, steak pasta, spicy pasta, dinner ideas, weeknight meal, food ideas