Creamy 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
Scale
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
