Steak and Spinach with Pasta

INGREDIENTS

• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped.
• 8-ounce New York strip steak
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4-6 ounces of penne pasta
• ¼ cup olive oil plus 1 tablespoon, divided
• 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. In a small bowl combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Season the steak on all sides with the mixture and set aside.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve one tablespoon of the starchy water before draining the pasta.
3. While the pasta is cooking, heat one tablespoon of olive in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Cook the steak for 5-7 minutes on each side. Remove the steak from the pan and leave it on the plate to rest.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of olive oil, the balsamic vinegar, and mustard until it is thickened.
5. Thinly slice the steak against the grain and place it in the bowl with the dressing along with the pasta, reserved pasta water, spinach, and parsley. Toss it all together. As you toss it the spinach will wilt.
6. Garnish with the feta cheese and serve the pasta warm, at room temperature or you can chill it before serving. If you chill it, hold off the cheese until serving and give the pasta and steak a toss before serving.