If you love the rich flavors of BBQ and the comforting creaminess of pasta, you are absolutely going to fall in love with this One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe. It’s a sensational marriage of tender, smoky steak slices and luscious pasta cooked right in one pot, making it incredibly easy and quick to whip up without sacrificing any flavor. The hint of honey adds just the perfect touch of sweetness, harmonizing beautifully with smoky paprika and tangy BBQ sauce to create a dish that feels both cozy and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding friends, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing a unique flavor, texture, or color to the dish. Using basic pantry staples alongside fresh components creates a perfectly balanced pasta that is smoky, sweet, creamy, and indulgent all at once.
- 1 lb flank or sirloin steak: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the steak and adding richness.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Key to infusing the dish with that irresistible smoky depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory warmth without overpowering.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Or any pasta shape you love, perfect for holding the sauce.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides a sweet, mild base flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers aromatic depth and a punch of savoriness.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Select your favorite to tailor the spice and sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances smokiness with a natural hint of sweetness.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds savory moisture and depth to cook the pasta in.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich, luscious, and soothing.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts into creamy goodness with a slight sharpness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For a pop of color and fresh herbal notes as garnish.
How to Make One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Steak
To start, toss your thinly sliced steak in olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. These simple seasonings are what give your meat that irresistible smoky and savory flavor that’s the heart of this dish. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned steak, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Remember, you want those caramelized edges for perfectly flavorful bites. Once done, remove the steak and set it aside to rest while you move on to the sauce and pasta.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Using the same skillet means you’ll keep all those delicious steak drippings for your sauce. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step creates a rich flavor foundation your pasta will soak up. Next, stir in your favorite BBQ sauce and honey. The combination here creates a deliciously sweet, tangy, and smoky glaze that will coat the pasta beautifully. Let the sauce heat for 1-2 minutes so all the flavors meld together perfectly.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta in Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the uncooked penne pasta directly into the skillet and give it a good stir to coat every piece with the smoky BBQ goodness. Cover your skillet and allow the pasta to cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking. The pasta will absorb most of the flavorful liquid, which creates a beautifully saucy consistency that is anything but dry.
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Steak
Once your pasta is tender and saucy, stir in the heavy cream to add a luscious silkiness that makes the dish truly comforting and rich. Then fold the cooked steak back into the skillet, letting everything warm through together for another 2-3 minutes. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir until it melts smoothly, making the dish wonderfully cheesy.
Step 5: Serve
Your One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe is now ready to serve! The colors, aromas, and flavors in this dish will wow anyone at your table, making it perfect for casual dinners or special occasions alike.
How to Serve One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only brightens the dish but also adds a fresh herbal contrast to the smoky richness. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick, or a drizzle of extra honey if you want to highlight the sweet notes even more.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or even some garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce. Keeping sides light and fresh will balance the decadent main dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this in individual cast-iron skillets for an inviting, rustic presentation. Alternatively, pile it high on a large sharing platter and garnish generously with cheese and herbs for a family-style meal that invites everyone to dig in and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day—perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing the pasta in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, as freezing may slightly alter the texture of the pasta.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore the creamy sauce’s consistency. Stirring occasionally will help the dish heat evenly and keep it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Flank and sirloin steaks work best for their tenderness and quick cooking time, but you can also try skirt steak or ribeye if you prefer a richer flavor. Just slice them thinly to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
What kind of BBQ sauce is best?
Choose a BBQ sauce you love, whether it’s smoky, sweet, or spicy. The quality and flavor of the sauce will shine through in the dish, so pick your favorite brand or homemade variety for the best results.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. Just keep in mind that changing the cream will slightly adjust the dish’s richness and flavor profile.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It is! Just freeze the pasta in an airtight container within a couple of hours after cooking. Thaw overnight and gently reheat to enjoy later. The texture of the pasta may soften a bit but the flavors will remain fantastic.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
You can swap the steak for plant-based protein options like seitan or smoked tofu and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Opt for vegan BBQ sauce and dairy-free cream alternatives to keep the smoky honey BBQ vibe while meeting dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the way the smoky, sweet, and creamy flavors come together in this One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe. It’s an effortless yet deeply satisfying meal that doesn’t just fill you up but also delights your taste buds with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how quickly it becomes one of your favorite go-to recipes for weeknight dinners or whenever you crave that special smoky comfort food. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta is a deliciously comforting dish combining tender, smoky steak slices with a creamy honey BBQ sauce and perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s a quick and easy meal that comes together in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and satisfying without a lot of cleanup.
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, season the sliced steak with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once 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 the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant. Add the BBQ sauce and honey to the skillet, stir to combine, and let it cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Simmer Pasta with Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the uncooked pasta, coating it in the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish the Dish: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and the cooked steak. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes until heated through and the sauce is creamy. If desired, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the pasta warm for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use flank or sirloin steak for best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute penne with any other pasta shape.
- Adjust the BBQ sauce and honey quantity based on your preferred sweetness and smokiness level.
- For a lighter version, omit heavy cream and cheese.
- Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking to the pan during cooking.
