Creamy Parmesan Flank Steak over Orzo Recipe
Introduction
Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The tender, seared steak pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy orzo flavored with garlic and Parmesan. This recipe is both satisfying and quick to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups water or broth (for cooking orzo)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the flank steak with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it reaches your desired doneness. Remove from heat and let it rest while you prepare the orzo.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until tender. Drain any excess liquid.
- Step 3: In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in the cooked orzo, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Cook gently, stirring constantly, until the mixture is creamy and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Slice the rested flank steak thinly against the grain. Serve the steak slices over a bed of creamy orzo.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the flank steak in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 1 hour before cooking.
- Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the orzo for added texture and nutrition.
- Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water to cook the orzo for deeper flavor.
Storage
Store leftover creamy orzo and sliced steak separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the orzo gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess. Reheat steak slices quickly in a hot pan or microwave to avoid drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, sirloin or ribeye can also work well, but flank steak remains a budget-friendly option that is flavorful and tender when sliced thinly against the grain.
Is orzo gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat and contains gluten. Look for gluten-free orzo made from rice or corn if you need a gluten-free option.
PrintCreamy Parmesan Flank Steak over Orzo Recipe
This Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo recipe combines tender, seared flank steak with a luscious, garlicky Parmesan orzo pasta. The dish balances savory, rich flavors with creamy textures, making it a satisfying and elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Flank Steak
- 1.5 pounds flank steak
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Orzo
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Pat the flank steak dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Let it rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
- Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time for desired doneness. Remove steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing around the grain.
- Cook the Orzo: In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth or water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions (usually around 8-10 minutes), until tender but firm. Drain if necessary, reserving some cooking liquid.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Mix the cooked orzo back into the sauce, adding reserved liquid to reach the desired creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Slice the rested flank steak thinly against the grain. Plate the orzo and top with sliced steak. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Allowing the steak to rest after cooking helps retain juices and improves tenderness.
- Using chicken broth instead of water to cook the orzo adds extra flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure to slice the flank steak against the grain to maximize tenderness.
Keywords: flank steak, orzo, creamy pasta, Parmesan, garlic, easy dinner, stovetop recipe
