Rigatoni with Flank Steak and Mushrooms

Here is another Giada De Laurentiis recipe from her cookbook, Everyday Italian. The first time I made this recipe I didn't make any changes besides the type of steak I used (I used London Broil) and it was fabulous! I really loved it. I wanted to make this again but I also wanted to use ingredients I had in the fridge already. That meant no arugula but it was still a very tasty dish. I think that this recipe can be used as a guide and all different things can be substituted. I sauteed some cremini mushrooms, added some kalamata olives and used flank steak instead of a strip steak. You could add some sliced red onion, some sort of beans such as chick peas or cannelini beans, maybe some broccoli or green beans. There really is no right or wrong way to make this. Just use what you like and what you have. I haven't changed up the dressing at all but I'm sure you could add some other flavors if you want. Just be careful not to add all the dressing before you taste it. It makes a lot and if you use it all it could overpower everything.

Penne with Beef and Arugula
Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis
Serves: 6 to 8

Ingredients:

1 (1-pound) New York strip steak
1 teaspoon herbs de Provence
1 garlic clove, minced
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus 3 tablespoons
1 pound penne pasta
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for steak and pasta water
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for steak
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
2 cups chopped arugula

Directions:

Season the steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper, herbs de Provence, and minced garlic. In a skillet, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Cook steak about 7 minutes per side. Remove the meat from pan and let it rest for 5 minutes. Thinly slice the steak. Set aside.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, fresh herbs, and 3/4 cup olive oil. In a large bowl toss the pasta with half of the salad dressing and the reserved pasta water. Add the arugula and steak, more dressing, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, as needed. Toss, pack for the picnic, or serve.