Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Beef and Zucchini Pasta Skillet Delight?
It is a hearty one-dish meal that combines tender sirloin steak, zucchini, and pasta in a savory broth with Italian flavors.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What type of beef is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of sirloin steak cut into 1-inch cubes.
How should I season the steak?
Use one teaspoon of a spicy steak seasoning.
What type of oil is used for cooking?
Two tablespoons of canola oil, divided for different stages of cooking, are used.
Which onion is best for this skillet?
A small Vidalia onion, sliced thin, is recommended.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of beef broth should I use?
Choose two 15 1/2 ounce cans of low fat and low sodium beef broth.
What size is the tomato sauce can?
One 15 ounce can of tomato sauce is required.
What type of pasta is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of ditalini pasta or other long tubular pasta.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
Diced into 1/4 inch cubes.
What type of tomatoes are added?
Two diced Italian tomatoes are added near the end.
What is used as a garnish?
Fresh or dried basil to taste serves as the garnish.
How long does it take to brown the steak?
The steak should be cooked for approximately 3-5 minutes until browned all over.
How long do you sautรฉ the onion and garlic?
Sautรฉ them for about 5 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
How long should the pasta simmer?
The pasta should simmer covered for 8 minutes before adding the zucchini.
When do I add the zucchini to the skillet?
Add the zucchini after the pasta has simmered for 8 minutes.
How long does the zucchini cook?
The zucchini cooks for an additional 6-8 minutes until it is crisp-tender.
When should the cooked steak be returned to the pan?
Return the steak to the skillet at the final step along with the diced tomatoes.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 290 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 24g of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 11g of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 21g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, it costs under $2 per serving.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, while ditalini is suggested, other long tubular pastas can be used.
Does this require a separate pot for pasta?
No, this is a one-dish meal where the pasta cooks directly in the skillet with the broth.
What texture should the zucchini have?
The zucchini should be cooked until it is crisp-tender.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknights?
Yes, it is designed as a quick and easy option for busy weeknights.
How long do you heat the steak and tomatoes at the end?
Stir and heat everything through for about 1 minute before serving.
Can I use dried basil if I don't have fresh?
Yes, either fresh or dried basil can be used for the garnish.