If you’re craving a dinner that bursts with flavor yet comes together with delightful ease, you’re in for a treat with the One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe. This dish combines tender, smoky steak with a luscious honey BBQ sauce, all lovingly mingled with perfectly cooked pasta. The beauty here is in creating a comforting, indulgent meal using only one pot — making cleanup a breeze and maximizing flavor as every bite is infused with rich, smoky, and slightly sweet notes that dance on your palate. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for weeknights or impressing your friends without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a few simple yet crucial ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the table. From the seasoned steak carrying the smoky punch, to the creamy sauce that ties everything together, every component plays a vital role in creating that irresistible dish.
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin steak: Thinly sliced for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps in perfectly searing the steak while adding subtle richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Basic but essential for enhancing all flavors.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: The star spice delivering that deep smoky aroma.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlic undertone without overpowering.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Or any pasta you prefer; its shape catches the sauce beautifully.
- 1 small onion, diced: Builds a savory foundation with gentle sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic amps up the flavor profile and fragrance.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Choose a bold, flavorful brand for that perfect barbecue kick.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the smoky and tangy BBQ sauce with just the right touch of sweetness.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds depth and ensures your pasta cooks tender while soaking in flavor.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a smooth, creamy sauce that feels indulgent in every bite.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): For a gooey, melty finish that’s utterly comforting.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with a fresh pop of color and mild herbaceous note.
How to Make One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Steak
Begin by tossing your thinly sliced steak in olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This seasoning blend imbues the meat with that signature smoky-sweet flair. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the steak for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until nicely browned and cooked through. Once it’s ready, set it aside so you can build the rest of the dish in the same pan, capturing every bit of flavor left behind.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In that same pan, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Let them cook gently for 2-3 minutes until they soften and your kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma. These aromatics form the backbone of the sauce, bringing subtle sweetness and savory depth to balance the smoky steak.
Step 3: Build the BBQ Honey Sauce
Pour in your BBQ sauce and drizzle the honey, stirring to combine everything smoothly. Give it a minute or two to warm through so the flavors marry perfectly, creating that sticky, smoky-sweet coating that makes this recipe unforgettable.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
Add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the uncooked pasta, making sure every piece gets bathed in the sauce. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This step is pure magic as the pasta absorbs all those smoky, sweet, and savory elements, developing layers of flavor you’ll love.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Once your pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been soaked up, stir in the heavy cream and your cooked steak. Let everything simmer gently together for 2-3 minutes, ensuring a creamy, cohesive dish. If you’re feeling indulgent, toss in the shredded cheddar cheese and watch it melt into a rich, velvety finish that takes this one-pot meal to the next level.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top your creation with freshly chopped parsley to brighten the whole dish visually and flavor-wise. Serve it warm, savoring that wonderful balance of smoky, sweet, and creamy goodness in every forkful.
How to Serve One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even chopped green onions adds a vibrant touch that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. Consider a little extra cheese on top for those who love an extra gooey kick or a dash of crushed red pepper if you’re after a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta shines on its own, but pairing it with a simple side salad or steamed green veggies like broccoli or asparagus offers a refreshing crunch to balance the richness. Garlic bread is another classic companion that’s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in rustic bowls for a cozy feel or plate it on a large platter family-style for easy sharing. Add a wedge of lemon on the side for those who want a zesty splash to cut through the creaminess, giving the entire dish a fun, customizable finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your pasta has cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, so it might taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you plan ahead. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Just note that pasta texture may soften slightly after freezing, but the sauce and steak flavors will remain delicious.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Microwaving works too—just stir halfway through to heat evenly and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank or sirloin steak works best for quick cooking and tenderness, you can also use ribeye or skirt steak. Just slice thinly to ensure it cooks fast and stays juicy in the recipe.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika on hand?
If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika mixed with a pinch of cumin or chipotle powder can provide a smoky flavor. It won’t be identical but will still complement the BBQ sauce well.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the steak for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or plant-based meat substitutes. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and keep the smoky and BBQ flavors strong for a satisfying alternative.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix or stir in hot sauce alongside the BBQ sauce to give your pasta a spicy kick.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, penne works great as it holds the sauce nicely, but you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even macaroni. Just keep an eye on cooking times as different shapes may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
The One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe is one of those soul-satisfying dishes that feels like a celebration on your plate without complicated prep or cleanup. It’s the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, creamy, and hearty that will quickly become a go-to in your dinner repertoire. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how effortlessly delicious and comforting a one-pot meal can be!
Print
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 quick and flavorful meal combining tender, smoky steak with a sweet barbecue sauce, creamy pasta, and a hint of cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it brings together smoky spices, honey sweetness, and savory richness in just 30 minutes.
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 thinly 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. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the BBQ sauce and honey, stirring to combine, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Simmer Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, making sure it is evenly coated with 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 is absorbed.
- Finish the Dish: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and the cooked steak. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through and creamy. Optionally, add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm for a rich, smoky, and delicious meal.
Notes
- Use flank steak or sirloin for best tenderness and flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the spices.
- Feel free to swap penne pasta for any other short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
