If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances smoky, sweet, and savory flavors while keeping things delightfully simple, you’ve got to try this One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion. Tender slices of seasoned steak meld with a luscious, creamy BBQ sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta for a mouthwatering meal that comes together in just one pot. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe brings warmth and bold flavor with minimal fuss—and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the depth of flavor and comforting texture that makes this dish a winner. From smoky spices to creamy elements, every component is thoughtfully chosen to complement one another beautifully.
- 1 lb flank or sirloin steak: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps sear the steak to perfection and adds richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This brings the smoky depth that defines the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A punch of mellow garlic flavor without overpowering.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Holds onto the sauce nicely and creates a satisfying texture.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a touch of bite when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic offers a vibrant aromatic base.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Your favorite brand here—this is the soul of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the smoky BBQ with sweet, sticky goodness.
- 1 cup beef broth: Creates a rich cooking liquid that infuses the pasta with flavor.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and comforting.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts beautifully for extra cheesy indulgence.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the finished dish with color and freshness.
How to Make One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Steak
Start by seasoning your thinly sliced steak in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This simple rub is packed with flavor that will soak into every bite. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot, then add the steak. Cook it for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring now and then so every edge gets a beautiful sear. Once browned and cooked through, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside. This technique keeps the steak tender and juicy.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic, Add BBQ Sauce and Honey
In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a couple of minutes until they become soft and fragrant, filling your kitchen with amazing aromas. Then, pour in the BBQ sauce along with the honey. Stir them together well and let the mixture heat through for another 1 to 2 minutes. This combination creates the delicious base sauce with that smoky sweetness that’s the heart of this recipe.
Step 3: Simmer Pasta in the Sauce
Next, add the beef broth and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, making sure each piece is coated in the flavorful sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This time allows the pasta to absorb all those rich BBQ flavors while cooking to perfect tenderness. Keeping an eye on it helps prevent sticking and ensures an even cook.
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Steak
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the heavy cream along with the cooked steak. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the sauce to thicken into a velvety, creamy coating. If you want to take it up a notch, add shredded cheddar cheese and stir it in until melted and silky. This step is all about rounding out the creamy texture and adding richness.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Finally, sprinkle the dish with plenty of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve your One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe while it’s warm and comforting. The best part is how all the ingredients come together effortlessly in one pot, making cleanup just as easy as the cooking.
How to Serve One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a subtle herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the creamy BBQ sauce. You could also sprinkle some extra cheddar cheese or a dash of smoked paprika on top to echo the smoky flavors. A drizzle of honey or a squeeze of lemon juice can add a surprising touch of sweetness or acidity to brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’d like to add some texture contrast, crisp green beans or a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette offer light, crunchy balance. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce, turning your meal into a complete experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pasta in individual cast iron skillets for a rustic, cozy presentation that keeps the dish warm longer. For a casual gathering, plate it on a large platter so everyone can dig in family-style. You might even garnish with edible flowers or microgreens to impress guests with a touch of sophistication.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before storing, cool it slightly to avoid condensation. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers taste just as good, if not better.
Freezing
Although best enjoyed fresh, this dish can be frozen if needed. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that creamy sauces sometimes change texture after freezing, so thaw slowly in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently and add a splash of water or broth if the sauce feels too thick. Microwaving works too—cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While flank or sirloin is recommended for tenderness and quick cooking, you can substitute with ribeye or skirt steak if you prefer a richer flavor. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on thickness.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose a BBQ sauce that you love since it’s the star ingredient here. A smoky, slightly sweet sauce pairs beautifully, but you can experiment with spicy or tangy varieties to change the flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the steak with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and adjust seasonings to keep that bold smoky flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Definitely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle will work just as well. Avoid very thin pasta as it may overcook during simmering.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe leans more towards a smoky sweetness rather than heat. If you like it spicier, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce during cooking.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes for busy nights when I want something comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free. The marriage of smoky, sweet, and creamy elements is pure magic in every bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner that everyone asks for again and again!
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 delicious and easy-to-make dish combining tender, smoky seasoned steak with a creamy, slightly sweet BBQ sauce-infused pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting recipe blends smoky paprika, honey, and savory flavors in one skillet for a perfect weeknight dinner.
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
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. 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 Aromatics and Sauce: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the BBQ sauce and honey, stirring to combine. Let the sauce heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Simmer the Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, ensuring each piece is coated in sauce. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the heavy cream and the cooked steak. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and the sauce becomes creamy. If using, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the pasta warm.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning the steak.
- This recipe works well with other pasta shapes such as rotini or fusilli.
- Use a low-sodium BBQ sauce and beef broth to reduce sodium content.
- The shredded cheddar cheese is optional but adds a rich, cheesy finish.
- To make the dish dairy-free, substitute heavy cream and cheese with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.
