Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo Recipe – A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal

This Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner: fast, flavorful, and surprisingly simple. Juicy, pan-seared flank steak is paired with rich, garlicky orzo cooked in a creamy Parmesan sauce, creating a restaurant-quality meal made right at home. Whether you’re cooking for two or planning ahead for leftovers, this satisfying steak and pasta combo is always a hit.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Flank Steak:

1 lb flank steak
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Orzo:

1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

🔄 Substitutions

Flank steak: Swap with skirt steak, sirloin, or even chicken breast
Orzo: Substitute with couscous, small pasta shapes, or rice
Parmesan: Use Pecorino Romano or a plant-based cheese
Heavy cream: Substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for dairy-free
Chicken broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of the orzo

👨‍🍳 How to

Rub flank steak with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let rest while preparing orzo
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant
Add orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly
Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender, about 10 minutes
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently until thick and creamy. Add parsley if using
While orzo simmers, heat a grill pan or skillet over high heat
Cook steak for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to your desired doneness
Let steak rest 5–10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain
Serve creamy orzo in bowls or plates and top with slices of flank steak

🧀 Mix-ins

Add spinach or arugula to the orzo for greens
Sauté mushrooms or cherry tomatoes with the garlic
Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or chili oil
Top with crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese for added richness

✅ Recipe Tips

Let steak come to room temperature before searing for even cooking
Always rest the steak before slicing to keep juices locked in
Toast the orzo for a nutty, deeper flavor
Thinly slice the steak across the grain for maximum tenderness

📦 Storage

Store leftover steak and orzo separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days
Reheat orzo with a splash of broth or cream to restore texture
Reheat steak gently in a skillet or microwave, or enjoy cold in wraps or salads
Not ideal for freezing once assembled, but the steak can be frozen on its own

🌀 Recipe Variations

Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning
Use lemon zest and fresh basil for a brighter, Mediterranean twist
Turn it into a one-pan meal by cooking orzo in the same skillet after searing steak
Add peas, asparagus, or roasted red peppers for more veggie variety

❓ FAQs

Can I grill the flank steak instead of pan-searing? Yes! Flank steak grills beautifully—use high heat for a quick sear on each side
Is orzo pasta or rice? Orzo is a small pasta that looks like rice but cooks like traditional pasta
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes—prep the steak and creamy orzo separately, then reheat and assemble before serving
What sides go well with flank steak and creamy orzo? A fresh side salad, garlic green beans, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly

This Flank Steak with Creamy Orzo recipe is an easy yet elegant dinner that brings together tender beef and velvety pasta in a way that’s guaranteed to impress—perfect for weeknights or special occasions alike.