One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Pasta

When I want something bold, quick, and full of flavor—I go for this One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Pasta. It’s sweet, spicy, and seriously satisfying. And yep, all in one pan.

The steak gets seared and juicy. The honey garlic sauce is sticky, rich, and packs a little heat. And the pasta? It soaks up all that sweet-spicy goodness.

Every bite is tender, saucy, and full of flavor. It’s got that perfect mix of sweet, savory, and spicy. I make it once—and everyone asks for it again.

Ready to try it? Grab one pan and let’s cook this up. Trust me, it’s gonna be your new favorite weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pan, All Flavor: No need to juggle multiple pots—everything cooks in one pan.
• Balanced Taste: A bold mix of garlic, honey, and soy sauce gives this dish its signature spicy-sweet flavor.
• Hearty Yet Simple: It’s filling like comfort food but made with simple, everyday ingredients.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or switch the pasta type to make it your own.
• Family-Friendly: It’s flavorful enough for adults but not too spicy for kids—easy to adjust heat level.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings:
This recipe serves 4–6 people depending on portion size. It’s generous and filling, especially when served with a side salad or garlic bread.

Difficulty:
Easy to moderate. If you’re comfortable searing meat and boiling pasta, you’ve got this.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Tongs
• Colander (for pasta)

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this bold and satisfying one-pan dish:

For the Steak and Veggies:

• 1 lb steak (sirloin or flank), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb pasta, such as penne or rotini
• 4 cups water or low-sodium beef broth (for added flavor)

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Variations for One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Pasta

• Switch the Protein: Try chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a different take.
• Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, snap peas, or baby spinach all work well here.
• Change the Pasta: Use bowtie, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
• Dial the Heat: Skip the red pepper flakes or add sriracha for more kick.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end for a rich finish.

How to Make One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients

Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces. Slice the bell pepper, mince the garlic, and chop the broccoli if using fresh. Set everything aside so it’s ready to go.

2. Sear the Steak

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the steak pieces in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Let them sear for about 2–3 minutes without moving, then flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes until browned.
Remove the steak and set aside on a plate. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked—it will finish later.

3. Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed. Toss in the sliced bell pepper and broccoli. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until just starting to soften. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring often to avoid burning.

4. Add Pasta and Sauce Ingredients

Add the uncooked pasta right into the pan. Pour in 4 cups of water or beef broth—enough to just cover the pasta.
Add the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine everything.

5. Simmer and Cook

Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for about 12–14 minutes, stirring once or twice.
The pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.

6. Finish with Steak

Once the pasta is done, return the steak to the pan. Stir to coat it in the sauce and let everything cook together for another 2–3 minutes until the steak is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.

7. Taste and Adjust

Give it a quick taste. Add more salt, pepper, or honey depending on your preference. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth.

How to Serve One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Pasta

• Simple Plate: Serve in a shallow bowl topped with sesame seeds or chopped green onions.
• With Sides: Pair with a light green salad or roasted vegetables.
• In a Bowl: Great for lunch meal-prep bowls with a drizzle of extra honey or soy sauce on top.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth over low heat, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use a Good Cut of Steak: Sirloin, flank, or ribeye all work well—just avoid overly fatty cuts for this pasta.
• Cut Even Pieces: Keeps cooking time consistent and avoids chewy bites.
• Watch the Pasta: Stir occasionally while it simmers to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Add them at the right stage so they stay crisp-tender.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust the sweetness, salt, or spice at the end to match your preference.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	510 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbohydrates	55 g
Sugars	9 g
Fiber	4 g
Fat	18 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Sodium	680 mg

Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Pasta FAQs

Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes. Just skip the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount. The sauce will still have a lot of flavor without the heat.

Can I use a different protein instead of steak?
Absolutely. Chicken, shrimp, or even tofu works well. Just adjust cooking time based on the protein.

What type of pasta works best?
Short-cut pastas like penne, rotini, or bowties hold the sauce well. Avoid delicate noodles like angel hair.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If making ahead, store tightly covered and reheat with a splash of water or broth.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?
Try coconut aminos or low-sodium tamari for a similar flavor. Worcestershire sauce can work in a pinch, though it’s not quite the same.

Conclusion

This One Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Pasta is one of those dishes I come back to again and again. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, satisfying enough for guests, and easy to clean up after. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you get bold flavors, tender steak, and saucy pasta all in one bite.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or just for yourself, this recipe fits the bill. Try it once—and you’ll know it’s a keeper.