Flavorful Steak Caesar Pasta (Printable)

A filling dish combining juicy grilled steak, al dente pasta, fresh greens, and tangy dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat

01 - 12 oz sirloin steak
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Pasta

05 - 8 oz short pasta (penne or rotini)

→ Vegetables

06 - 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - ½ small red onion, thinly sliced

→ Dressing

09 - ⅓ cup Caesar dressing
10 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice

→ Toppings

12 - ½ cup croutons
13 - ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
14 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
02 - While the pasta cooks, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Pat the steak dry and rub with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Grill the steak for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness. Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
04 - In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
05 - Drizzle with Caesar dressing, add grated Parmesan and lemon juice, and toss gently to combine.
06 - Top the salad with sliced steak, croutons, and shaved Parmesan. Finish with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, or chill for 15 minutes for a colder salad.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Its got that perfect smoky steak flavor but eats like a refreshing salad
  • The creamy Caesar dressing clings to every piece of pasta and crisp lettuce
  • You can prep everything ahead and toss it together in minutes
02 -
  • Rinsing the pasta under cold water prevents it from getting gummy and keeps it perfectly al dente
  • Letting the steak rest is non-negotiable, or all those delicious juices will end up on your cutting board
  • Toss the salad gently so you dont bruise the romaine or break up the croutons
03 -
  • Marinate the steak in a little Caesar dressing for 30 minutes before grilling for extra depth
  • Shave your Parmesan with a vegetable peeler for those restaurant-style delicate curls