Imagine a mouthwatering dish that combines the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican fajitas with the comforting embrace of perfectly cooked pasta - all prepared in just 20 minutes! This Instant Pot Steak Fajita Pasta is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary weeknight dinner into an extraordinary feast. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this quick, easy, and incredibly delicious recipe that brings the sizzle of a restaurant right to your kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound flank steak, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 packet fajita seasoning
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of penne pasta, 1 pound of flank steak (sliced), 1 bell pepper (sliced), 1 onion (sliced), 1 packet of fajita seasoning, 1 cup of beef broth, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes.
- Once the pot is hot, add the sliced flank steak. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the steak for about 3-4 minutes, or until it is browned on all sides. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- After the steak is browned, add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Continue to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the steak and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the penne pasta. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Do not stir after adding the pasta, as this can cause it to stick.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and stir the pasta mixture gently to combine all the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the steak fajita pasta hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Choose the right cut: Flank steak works best, but you can also use sirloin or skirt steak for similar results.
- Don't overcook the steak: Sauté it just until it's browned to keep it tender and juicy.
- Layer flavors: Toast the fajita seasoning briefly before adding liquid to enhance its aromatics.
- Pasta placement matters: Ensure pasta is submerged in liquid but not stirred to prevent sticking.
- Natural pressure release helps pasta cook evenly and absorb flavors.
- Optional toppings like fresh cilantro, lime juice, or jalapeños can elevate the dish's flavor profile.
- For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta or substitute with zucchini noodles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg
