One Pot Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake

I wanted something creamy, spicy, and a little sweet—and this One Pot Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake was it. Total comfort food vibes. And yeah, it all bakes in just one pot.

The steak is tender, the pasta gets cozy in that creamy honey buffalo sauce, and the whole thing bakes into cheesy perfection. It’s sweet, spicy, and totally crave-worthy. Plus, minimal cleanup? Yes please.

Every bite has that kick from the buffalo, mellowed out by the honey and cream. It’s bold but balanced. And the cheese pull? Unreal.

Wanna try it? I’ll show you exactly how I throw it together—easy, quick, and straight-up delicious. Let’s bake it up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Everything — steak, sauce, pasta — all cooks in one pot for easy cleanup.
• Sweet & Spicy Flavor Combo: The buffalo sauce brings heat, while honey smooths it out for a balanced bite.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Loaded with steak and cheese, this is comfort food at its finest.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the components ahead, then assemble and bake when you’re ready.
• Perfect for Weeknight Dinners: Simple ingredients, easy steps, and a full-flavor finish.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings: 4 to 6 generous portions
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly, with just enough technique to build confidence

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven (oven-safe if possible)
• Cutting board + sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts
• Cheese grater (if using block cheese)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, cheesy steak pasta bake:

• 250 g pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
• 300 g steak (sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup buffalo sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Variations for This Dish

• Swap the Protein: Use cooked chicken or shrimp if you’re out of steak.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace steak with sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower.
• Make It Spicier: Increase the cayenne or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Add Veggies: Stir in spinach or peas at the end for color and nutrition.
• Cheese Switch: Try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Steak

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season sliced steak with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Sear until browned, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Garlic

Lower the heat slightly. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Build the Sauce

Add heavy cream, buffalo sauce, honey, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Continued)

4. Cook the Pasta

Add the pasta to the sauce mixture, stirring to coat. Pour in about 1½ cups of water or enough to just cover the pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.

5. Add the Steak

Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, stir in the seared steak. Mix it in gently to ensure the steak is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.

6. Add the Cheese & Sour Cream

Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and sour cream. This will make the dish creamy and cheesy. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the pasta is coated in a rich, creamy sauce.

7. Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If your skillet is oven-safe, you can leave everything in the pan. If not, transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Top with a generous layer of extra cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Place the skillet or baking dish into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Continued)

8. Serve and Garnish

Once the pasta bake is out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes to cool and set. Then, garnish with chopped green onions for a burst of color and freshness.

9. Serving Suggestions

This creamy honey buffalo steak pasta bake is hearty and rich, so it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crispy garlic bread. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a more well-rounded meal.

Storing Leftovers

Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.

Freezing:
You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to do so before baking. Allow it to cool completely after assembling, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Searing the Steak: Don’t skip this step! Searing the steak adds an extra layer of flavor that really elevates the dish.
• Make It Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, add more sour cream or cream cheese into the sauce.
• Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper or buffalo sauce to fit your spice tolerance. You can also add a splash of ranch dressing for a milder version.
• Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Once you add the pasta to the sauce, be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook. You want it tender but still slightly firm to the bite.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition	Amount per Serving
Calories	510
Protein	30g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	10g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	7g
Sodium	750mg

One Pot Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! You can substitute the steak with chicken breast or thighs, pork, or even shrimp. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times based on the protein you choose.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prep the pasta and sauce up to a day in advance. Simply assemble everything in your skillet or baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven for about 10-15 extra minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

3. What if I don’t have buffalo sauce?

If you don’t have buffalo sauce, you can make a simple spicy honey sauce by mixing hot sauce with a bit of honey and a touch of garlic powder. This will give you the heat and sweetness you’re looking for!

4. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this recipe freezes well! To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes or until heated through.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

To amp up the heat, add extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use a spicier buffalo sauce. You can also toss in some jalapeños for an extra kick.

6. Can I use dairy-free alternatives?

Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free by using dairy-free cream (such as coconut cream), dairy-free cheese, and vegan sour cream. These swaps will still create a creamy texture with a delicious flavor!

7. Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Definitely! This recipe works well with any short pasta, like rotini, penne, or rigatoni, but you can also experiment with other types such as fusilli or cavatappi for fun shapes and textures.

8. Can I make this without baking it?

Yes! If you prefer to skip the baking step, after mixing in the steak and cheese, simply let it simmer on the stovetop for a few extra minutes until everything is combined and the cheese is melted. It will still be creamy and flavorful without baking.

Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is a perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and hearty that will satisfy everyone at the dinner table. With minimal clean-up and a balance of flavors, it’s an ideal recipe for both weeknight meals and special occasions.