If you have been searching for a hearty, flavorful dinner that feels effortlessly impressive, I have just the dish for you. This One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe is a delightful fusion of smoky, sweet, and savory notes that come together in a creamy, comforting pasta experience. Imagine tender slices of steak infused with smoked paprika and garlic, coated in a luscious honey BBQ sauce, all mingling perfectly with tender pasta cooked right in the same pot. It’s a true weeknight winner that brings big taste with minimal cleanup, making it an absolute joy to cook and even more fun to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the smoky spices on the steak to the creamy sauce enveloping the pasta, every element makes this dish special and satisfying.
- Flank steak or sirloin steak (1 lb): Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites filled with smoky flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): The perfect base for searing your steak and softening onions.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of steak and veggies.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds that signature smoky depth without needing a grill.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): A quick way to layer garlic flavor evenly over the steak.
- Penne pasta (12 oz): Or any pasta you love, perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Brings a subtle sweetness and texture to the sauce base.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic amps up the aromatic goodness.
- BBQ sauce (1/2 cup): Your favorite brand to bring smoky sweetness and tang.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the BBQ sauce with a gentle, natural sweetness.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Adds savory richness and helps cook the pasta in the sauce.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates a silky, indulgent finish for the sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, optional): Melted into the sauce for extra creaminess and cheesy comfort.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): A bright, fresh garnish that cuts through the richness beautifully.
How to Make One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Steak
First, toss that thinly sliced steak in olive oil, seasoning it generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. These spices give the steak its irresistible smoky and savory punch. Heat your skillet on medium-high and sear the steak pieces for about 3 to 4 minutes until beautifully browned but still juicy. Once done, remove the steak and let it rest while you move on to building the sauce.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, you’ll sauté diced onions and fresh minced garlic until they soften and become fragrant. This step is crucial because it forms the aromatic foundation of your sauce. Then pour in your BBQ sauce and honey, stirring everything to meld those rich, smoky, sweet flavors together. Let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes so all those notes marry perfectly in the pan.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
Next, add the beef broth to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Stir in your uncooked pasta, making sure every piece gets coated with that delicious BBQ mixture. Cover the skillet and let the pasta cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This one-pot technique lets the pasta soak up the smoky, sweet sauce and tenderize perfectly without extra pots or bowls.
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Steak
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the heavy cream for that luscious, creamy texture that makes this dish truly comforting. Return the cooked steak slices to the pan and let everything simmer together for another few minutes to heat through. For those who love an extra melty touch, add shredded cheddar cheese and watch it melt into the sauce, folding in even more richness and flavor.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Your One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed! Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish and serve immediately while it’s warm, creamy, and irresistible.
How to Serve One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley are perfect for adding a pop of color and a fresh note to this dish. You can also sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar or even some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat to contrast the smoky sweetness.
Side Dishes
Since this pasta packs a flavor punch and is quite filling, lighter sides work best. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or simply roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli offer a nice balance without competing with the smoky BBQ flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in large shallow bowls to showcase the rich sauce and steak slices. You could also create individual portions in small cast iron skillets or even stuff the pasta into hollowed-out bell peppers for a visually striking presentation at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge. Try to consume leftovers within 3 days to keep the steak tender and the pasta from getting mushy.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers, but keep in mind that the creamy texture may change slightly. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and the steak juicy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank or sirloin works wonderfully because they cook quickly and remain tender, you can also try ribeye or skirt steak. Just slice thinly and adjust cooking time to avoid toughness.
What pasta alternatives can I use?
Penne is great for holding sauce, but feel free to use rigatoni, farfalle, or even fusilli. If you want a gluten-free option, rice pasta or chickpea-based pasta can also work well in this recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the steak for mushrooms or a plant-based protein alternative and use vegetable broth. The smoky honey BBQ sauce will still give tons of flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
This pasta has a mild smoky profile with sweet honey notes. If you prefer some heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking or a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and can be portioned for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Just keep the fresh parsley separate until serving to maintain its bright flavor.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe, it will quickly climb to the top of your go-to meals. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a comforting hug on a plate while still packing impressive flavor that everyone will ask for again. So grab your skillet, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a smoky, sweet, creamy pasta night that’s delicious and easy from start to finish!
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One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish combining tender sliced steak with smoky paprika and garlic-infused BBQ sauce, all simmered with penne pasta in a creamy, rich sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup while delivering big taste.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season and Cook the Steak. In a medium bowl, mix the thinly sliced steak with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta Base. In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in BBQ sauce and honey, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to combine and heat through.
- Simmer Pasta in Sauce. Pour in beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add uncooked pasta, stirring to coat the pasta thoroughly in the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, ensuring it doesn’t stick.
- Finish the Dish. Stir in heavy cream and return the cooked steak to the skillet. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce is creamy. If desired, mix in shredded cheddar cheese and cook until melted and smooth.
- Serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the smoky honey BBQ steak pasta warm for best flavor and enjoyment.
Notes
- Use flank or sirloin steak thinly sliced for quick cooking and tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce and honey based on your preferred sweetness and smokiness levels.
- Any short pasta shape can be substituted for penne, such as rigatoni or fusilli.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit the cheese.
- Stir pasta occasionally while cooking to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
