Flavorful Steak Caesar Pasta (Printable)
Grilled steak combined with romaine, cherry tomatoes, and pasta, dressed in a creamy Caesar blend.
# 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 Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool completely.
02 - Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Pat steak dry with paper towels, then rub evenly with olive oil. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
03 - Place steak on hot grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time to reach desired doneness. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
04 - In a large salad bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion. Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
05 - Drizzle Caesar dressing over salad, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Toss thoroughly to coat all components with dressing.
06 - Arrange sliced steak over top of salad. Add croutons and shaved Parmesan as final garnish. Season with additional black pepper to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate 15 minutes for a chilled presentation.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The warm grilled steak against cool crisp romaine creates this incredible temperature contrast that makes every bite exciting
- Its substantial enough to be a full meal but still feels light and refreshing on hot days
02 -
- Cool the pasta completely before mixing or the heat will wilt the romaine and make the dressing separate
- Letting the steak rest is non-negotiable slicing too early will spill all those precious juices onto your cutting board
03 -
- Pat the steak completely dry before seasoning for better sear marks and more intense flavor
- Taste the dressing before tossing different brands vary wildly in saltiness