Description
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Orzo is the perfect cozy weeknight dinner, combining tender seared sirloin steak with creamy garlic-infused orzo pasta. Simmered in rich beef broth and finished with Parmesan cheese and butter, this dish offers a comforting and flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb sirloin steak (substitutable with chicken or shrimp)
- salt & pepper, to taste
Cooking Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil (can be replaced with butter)
- 1 cup minced garlic (fresh preferred)
Pasta and Broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta (can substitute with ditalini or gluten-free pasta)
- 4 cups beef broth (chicken broth as a lighter alternative)
Creamy Elements
- 1 cup heavy cream (can substitute with half-and-half or reduce for lighter option)
- 2 tbsp butter (optional for lighter version)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (dairy-free alternative for vegan option)
Garnish
- chopped parsley (can be replaced with chives or omitted)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sear the steak: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season the sirloin steak generously with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot. Sear the steak for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it is nicely browned. Once seared, remove the steak carefully and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same pot, add 1 cup of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown, as this will impart bitterness.
- Add and toast the orzo: Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the pot with garlic and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. This helps to slightly toast the pasta, adding depth of flavor to the dish.
- Cook the orzo in broth: Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
- Finish with cream, butter, and cheese: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to create a creamy sauce base.
- Reintroduce the steak: Slice or leave the steak whole, then return it to the pot. Allow it to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
- Season and serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the creamy garlic butter steak orzo hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Notes
- You can substitute sirloin steak with chicken breast or shrimp for different protein options.
- Using fresh minced garlic is preferred over garlic powder to maximize flavor.
- For a lighter version, reduce or omit the butter and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Dairy-free Parmesan alternatives are available for a dairy-free or vegan-friendly modification.
- Adjust seasoning gradually, especially if using salted broth.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: one pot, steak orzo, creamy garlic butter, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, comfort food, sirloin steak, one pot meal
