Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal Recipe
If you’re hunting for a meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is totally doable on a busy night, look no further than Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal. Juicy slices of perfectly seasoned steak sit atop a bed of velvety, Parmesan-kissed orzo, mingling with fresh spinach and bright lemon. It’s hearty, crowd-pleasing comfort food—quick enough for a workday, and absolutely impressive enough for entertaining. This one’s been a lifesaver in my own kitchen and is sure to win rave reviews in yours!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple, but every ingredient packs a punch and works together to create a dish that’s creamy, savory, and full of color. Here’s what you’ll need to build Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal:
- Flank steak (1 pound): Lean, flavorful, and quick-cooking, it’s the perfect choice for fast weeknight dinners.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and ensures a beautiful sear on your steak while also helping the orzo get that gorgeous, glossy finish.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors together, seasoning both your steak and the orzo perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right kick of warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Deepens the steak’s savoriness and gives the whole dish a mellow, aromatic base.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Lends a gentle smokiness and beautiful color to the steak’s crust.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): A touch of richness for the orzo, enhancing its luxurious, creamy texture.
- Yellow onion, finely chopped (1 small): Sweetens and softens as it cooks, creating a flavorful base for the orzo.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fresh garlic infuses everything with irresistible aroma and depth.
- Orzo pasta (1 cup): These tender rice-shaped pasta pieces absorb all the creamy flavor of the sauce.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Adds savory depth and ensures the orzo cooks up irresistibly flavorful.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): The secret to that luscious, silky texture in every bite of orzo.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/4 cup): For salty, nutty complexity that ties everything together.
- Baby spinach (2 cups): Wilts right into the orzo for freshness, fiber, and gorgeous color.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens and balances the creamy orzo beautifully.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds an herby pop of flavor and a burst of color on top.
How to Make Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal
Step 1: Season and Sear the Flank Steak
First, get your grill pan or skillet sizzling hot over medium-high heat. Pat the flank steak dry and give it a loving rub with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This simple mix creates a crust of flavor that’s so satisfying! Sear the steak for 4 to 5 minutes a side—you want those golden, caramelized marks. Once done, pull it off the heat, tent it with foil, and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. Resting is the secret to juicy steak, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Start the Orzo Base
While the steak takes a well-earned rest, set a large skillet over medium heat and melt a tablespoon each of olive oil and butter. Toss in your chopped onion and let it soften, stirring gently for about 3 minutes. The onion will turn translucent and develop a mellow sweetness, laying the foundation for a decadent orzo.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo and Garlic
Add the minced garlic and pour in the orzo pasta. Stir everything around in the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes, letting the orzo get a bit toasty and fragrant. Toasting orzo this way gives it a subtle, nutty flavor that really shines in this dish.
Step 4: Simmer to Creamy Perfection
Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer and let the orzo cook, uncovered, for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring now and then. You’ll know it’s done when most of the liquid is absorbed, and the orzo is plump and tender—think risotto, but so much easier!
Step 5: Finish the Creamy Orzo with Greens
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and baby spinach. Cook for another couple of minutes, until the spinach wilts and the sauce turns ultra-creamy and glossy. Turn off the heat, squeeze in a splash of fresh lemon juice, and stir it through—this lifts all the flavors and makes everything sing.
Step 6: Slice the Steak and Serve
By now, your steak should be rested and ready. Slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve generous spoonfuls of the dreamy, creamy orzo on plates, top with those glorious steak slices, and sprinkle with fresh parsley (plus extra Parmesan if you like). Grab a fork and enjoy your Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal!
How to Serve Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the magic of a final flourish! Scatter plenty of chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese over each plate for freshness and a punch of flavor. A lemon wedge on the side is great for anyone who likes a bit more zing with every bite.
Side Dishes
While Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal is truly a one-plate wonder, you can round things out beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted veggies, or even some blistered cherry tomatoes for added brightness and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling fancy, try serving the creamy orzo in shallow bowls, nestling slices of steak on top so they soak up every bit of sauce. Or, for a dinner party twist, cut the steak into cubes and thread onto skewers set atop the orzo for a playful presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When you’ve got a little Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal left, just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The steak and orzo will keep well for up to three days, making it perfect for lunch or an encore dinner.
Freezing
While the steak freezes beautifully, creamy orzo tends to lose some of its luxurious texture in the freezer. If you do freeze, pack each component separately and thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.
Reheating
To bring everything back to life, gently warm the steak and orzo on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth, milk, or cream to restore the orzo’s creamy consistency. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks, and heat just until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I substitute a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While flank steak gives you a hearty, beefy flavor and cooks quickly, skirt steak or even sirloin make great alternatives. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness and always slice against the grain for tenderness.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can easily make it veggie-friendly by swapping the steak for roasted portobello mushrooms or grilled tofu, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken in the orzo. It’s a fabulous way to enjoy all the creamy, comforting elements without meat.
How can I make the orzo lighter?
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and swap in arugula or kale for the spinach. You’ll still get all that creamy satisfaction with a bit less richness.
Can I prep any parts of this in advance?
Definitely. You can marinate and season the steak a few hours ahead and keep it chilled. The orzo is best cooked fresh, but you can chop your onion and garlic in advance and store them in the fridge to save extra time at dinner hour.
Why do I need to rest the steak before slicing?
Resting lets the juices redistribute through the steak, so they don’t escape when you cut into it. This is the trick for getting those beautiful, juicy slices instead of dry, chewy ones!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a plate of Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal with family or friends—simple ingredients, big flavors, and a touch of comfort in every bite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and fall in love with it just like I have. Happy cooking!
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Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a flavorful and satisfying meal with this recipe for Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines juicy grilled steak with creamy orzo pasta, creating a harmony of delicious flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Ingredients
For the Flank Steak:
- 1 pound flank steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Creamy Orzo:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Flank Steak: Rub the flank steak with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Grill for 4–5 minutes per side. Let rest before slicing.
- Make the Creamy Orzo: Sauté onion and garlic. Add orzo, then chicken broth. Simmer until tender. Stir in cream, Parmesan, and spinach. Finish with lemon juice.
- Serve: Plate the creamy orzo, top with sliced flank steak, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Swap spinach for arugula or kale if preferred.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
