One Skillet Spicy Honey Bbq Steak Pasta

Ever had one of those nights where you want something bold, sweet, and spicy—all in one bite? That’s exactly why I made this One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Steak Pasta. It’s like comfort food with a kick.

Tender steak, smoky BBQ sauce, a little honey heat, and creamy pasta—yes, all in one pan. It’s sweet, spicy, and totally saucy. And cleanup? Super easy.

The steak gets juicy, the pasta soaks in all that BBQ flavor, and the honey adds the perfect balance. It’s got that wow factor without the work. Honestly, I could eat this every week.

Let me show you how I throw it all together. It’s simple, quick, and sooo worth it. You’re gonna love every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold but Balanced Flavor: Sweet honey, smoky BBQ, and a gentle kick of spice blend into a rich, creamy sauce.
• One-Pan Wonder: Steak, pasta, and sauce all cook in one skillet—less mess, more flavor.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Great for weeknight dinners or when you want comfort food that feels special.
• Flexible and Fun: Easy to customize with the seasonings or veggies you love.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes

Servings: Makes 4–6 hearty servings. Great as a main course.

Difficulty: Easy. If you can boil pasta and sear steak, you can make this.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Cutting board and knife
• Tongs or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (for fresh cheddar)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this one-skillet dinner together. (Exact amounts will be in the recipe card at the end.)

• Steak: About 1 lb, sliced into thin strips (sirloin or flank work best)
• Pasta: 12 oz penne, rotini, or your favorite short pasta
• Olive Oil: To sear the steak and start the sauce
• Garlic Powder: For background flavor in the sauce
• Salt & Pepper: To season the steak and taste
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but adds a nice gentle heat
• Italian Seasoning: Adds depth and earthiness
• Beef Broth: The base of the sauce—adds a savory richness
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce silky and thick
• Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand—smoky or tangy work great
• Honey: For sweetness that balances the BBQ and spice
• Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated melts best into the sauce
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish and freshness

Variations for Spicy Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

• Swap the Protein: Use chicken or smoked sausage instead of steak if preferred.
• Add Veggies: Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms work great here.
• Use a Spicy BBQ Sauce: For an extra kick, use a chipotle or hot-style BBQ sauce.
• Go Light: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half, but the sauce may be a bit thinner.
• Make it Cheesy: Stir in mozzarella for more cheese pull.

How to Make One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

1. Sear the Steak

Start by heating 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the sliced steak in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Let it sear undisturbed for about 2–3 minutes until it browns. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes or until just cooked through.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook in two batches.

Remove steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

2. Build the Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out), lower the heat to medium.
Add a bit more oil if the pan is dry. Stir in:

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Cook for 1 minute to wake up the flavors.

Now pour in:

• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Stir everything together until it looks creamy and smooth.

3. Add Pasta and Simmer

Add the uncooked pasta directly into the sauce.

Cover the skillet, bring it to a gentle simmer, and let cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the pasta doesn’t stick.

If the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is done, splash in a little more broth or water.

4. Add Steak and Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, add the steak back in.

Stir in 3/4 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add more salt, pepper, or BBQ sauce to your liking.

5. Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat. Let the pasta sit for a minute to thicken a bit more.

Top with fresh parsley, if using. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.

How to Serve Spicy Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

This skillet meal is rich and flavorful, so it doesn’t need much on the side. But here’s what I usually pair it with:

• Simple green salad: Lightens the plate and adds a crisp contrast.
• Garlic bread or toast: Great for scooping up extra sauce.
• Steamed veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots balance the richness.

If you’re serving for a crowd, double the batch and let everyone dig in straight from the skillet. It’s casual and comforting.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator:
Place leftovers in an airtight container. Keeps well for up to 3–4 days.

Freezer:
You can freeze it, but note that the creamy sauce may separate slightly when reheated. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month.

To Reheat:
Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use freshly grated cheese so it melts smoothly—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t always blend in well.
• Cut steak evenly for quick, even cooking.
• Taste and adjust the final sauce—every BBQ sauce is a bit different, so tweak it to your liking.
• Stir the pasta often while simmering to avoid clumping or sticking to the pan.
• Let it rest off the heat for a minute or two—this helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.

Nutrition (Estimated per serving)

Nutrient	Amount (approx.)
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	44g
Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	14g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	7g
Sodium	580mg

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on BBQ sauce and exact ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes. Sirloin, flank, or even ribeye works well. Just slice it thinly so it cooks quickly and stays tender.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can. Try half-and-half or whole milk with a little butter. The sauce will be slightly lighter but still creamy.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
Any kind you like—smoky, sweet, or spicy. I recommend a thick, rich sauce for the best flavor and texture.

Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes. Add more red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or use a spicy BBQ sauce for extra heat.

Will this work with gluten-free pasta?
It can. Just be sure to stir often and check for doneness early, as gluten-free pasta can cook a bit differently.

Can I make it ahead of time?
You can cook everything and store it in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

How do I keep the sauce from drying out when reheating?
Add a little beef broth, milk, or water to the pan before reheating, and stir often. Reheat slowly to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion of One Skillet Spicy Honey Bbq Steak Pasta Recipes

This One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Steak Pasta is a cozy meal with just the right balance of smoky, sweet, creamy, and a touch of heat. I make it when I need something hearty but don’t want a pile of dishes. It’s simple, bold, and comes together in under an hour—perfect for busy evenings or relaxed weekends.