Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you're a fan of rich, comforting dishes with a little kick, this Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is the perfect recipe for you. The creamy sauce combines buffalo sauce and honey for a spicy yet sweet profile, making each bite an unforgettable experience. Topped with gooey melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, this dish has the right amount of heat to satisfy your cravings without being overpowering. The tender steak, combined with pasta, ensures you get a hearty, filling meal with layers of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb steak, cooked & sliced
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Directions
-
Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Prepare the Sauce:
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add buffalo sauce, honey, heavy cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth, then simmer for 2-3 minutes. -
Combine Steak & Pasta:
Add the sliced steak and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated. -
Assemble & Bake:
Transfer the pasta and steak mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. -
Bake Until Bubbly:
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. -
Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish with chopped green onions, then serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: ~550 kcal per serving
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or fresh sliced jalapeños for an additional kick.
- Grilled Steak: Swap out pan-seared steak for grilled steak for a smoky flavor.
- Different Protein: For variety, replace steak with chicken or shrimp.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat entirely and load the pasta with your favorite veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?
Yes, any type of pasta can be used, but penne or rigatoni works best due to their shape holding the sauce well.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pasta bake the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I make this recipe without honey?
Yes, you can skip the honey or substitute it with a different sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweet note.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add extra buffalo sauce, red pepper flakes, or even some chopped jalapeños for more heat.
Can I use a lean cut of steak for this recipe?
Yes, lean cuts like flank steak or sirloin will work well in this dish. Just make sure to slice them thinly for the best texture.
Can I use store-bought buffalo sauce?
Yes, store-bought buffalo sauce is a convenient and tasty option, but if you have the time, homemade buffalo sauce can add an extra layer of flavor.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
You can freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. Make sure to let the dish cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
What can I serve this pasta bake with?
It pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or some garlic bread to complete the meal.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes to make this recipe dairy-free.
What’s the best way to reheat this pasta bake?
To prevent the pasta from drying out, cover the dish with foil while reheating in the oven.
Conclusion
This Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender steak into a single, irresistible dish. Whether you're hosting a crowd or just craving something hearty, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With its bold flavors and easy-to-make instructions, it’s a guaranteed hit every time.
Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake – Spicy, Cheesy & Irresistible!
This Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender steak, spicy buffalo sauce, and a touch of honey for the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Topped with gooey mozzarella and cheddar cheese, this pasta bake is rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. A must-try for spice lovers and pasta fans alike!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak, cooked & sliced
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
-
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add buffalo sauce, honey, heavy cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth, then simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Combine Steak & Pasta:
- Add the sliced steak and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Assemble & Bake:
- Transfer the pasta and steak mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
Bake Until Bubbly:
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
-
Notes
- Extra Spicy? Add red pepper flakes or fresh sliced jalapeños.
- Different Protein? Try chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a variation.
- Make it Vegetarian? Skip the steak and load up on bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Want it smokier? Use grilled steak instead of pan-seared.