Name: One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced (Slice against the grain for tenderness.); 2 tbsp olive oil (Adds richness and helps sear the steak.); 1 tbsp smoked paprika (Key for the smoky flavor.); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; to taste salt & pepper (Season to enhance flavors.); 2 tbsp honey (Balances the BBQ's tang.); 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (Use your favorite brand.); 1 cup heavy cream (For a creamy sauce.); 1/2 cup milk (Can substitute with half-and-half.); 2 cups beef broth (Low-sodium is recommended.); 2 cups penne or rotini pasta, uncooked (Hearty shapes that soak up the sauce.); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Extra sharp cheese is recommended.); to taste chopped parsley (optional) (For garnish.)

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Cozy Nights In: One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

Does anyone else have a go-to comfort recipe when the weather turns cool and you crave something a little smoky, a little sweet, and unapologetically creamy? For me, it’s my One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta. This recipe is pure weeknight gold, inspired by cozy nights at home, the hum of laughter drifting from the living room, and the unbeatable smell of steak and BBQ sauce mingling in one steamy pot. I still remember the first time I made this steak pasta for my family—a rainy Friday evening, everyone hungry and a little tired, and that first bite brought everyone back to life. I just knew I had to share this new favorite!

Why You’ll Adore This One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

Let me spill the beans on why you’ll seriously fall in love with this Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta:

It’s All in One Pot: I mean, who has time for a mountain of dishes? Everything—tender steak, creamy sauce, comforting pasta—cooks together in a single pot. Less fuss, more flavor!
Big, Balanced Flavors: The steak’s savory richness, the smokiness from paprika, the sweet kiss of honey, and the bold BBQ sauce? It’s like your favorite steakhouse dinner and comforting pasta collided in the best possible way.
Ready in About 30 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something special—without spending hours hovering over the stove.
Family-Friendly: This pasta gets devoured by picky kids and foodie adults alike. There’s just something about cheesy barbecue steak pasta that makes everyone happy.

Ingredients You’ll Need for One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

Here’s everything you’ll want to gather:

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
I like flank steak for its flavor, but sirloin works great too—just make sure to slice against the grain for tenderness.
2 tbsp olive oil
Adds richness and helps sear the steak beautifully.
1 tbsp smoked paprika
Key for that crave-worthy smoky flavor! (I highly recommend smoked over regular.)
1 tsp garlic powder & 1 tsp onion powder
Pantry MVPs—add depth without extra chopping.
Salt & pepper to taste
Don’t forget to season—the flavors really shine through.
2 tbsp honey
This sweet touch balances out the BBQ’s tang and smoke.
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
Go with your favorite brand—smoky, spicy, or sweet is totally up to you.
1 cup heavy cream & 1/2 cup milk
For creamy, luscious sauce—if you want to lighten it, use half-and-half.
2 cups penne or rotini pasta, uncooked
Use hearty shapes that soak up sauce. Gluten-free works well!
2 cups beef broth (or water)
Beef broth gives a savory boost (I always reach for low-sodium).
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Melty goodness—extra-sharp cheddar gives a fun tang.
Chopped parsley (optional)
For a fresh finish; not necessary, but it makes things pretty.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Perfect One-Pot Steak Pasta

Here’s how I make this creamy, smoky BBQ steak pasta—no stress, all flavor.

Sear the Steak:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high. While it heats, pat your steak dry and toss it with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sear until it’s golden and just cooked through (about 2–3 minutes—don’t overcook!). Set steak aside.
Build the Sauce:
In the same pot (don’t wipe it out—you want those tasty browned bits!), pour in BBQ sauce, honey, cream, milk, and beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping the bottom for extra flavor. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook the Pasta:
Add dry penne or rotini straight to the pot. Stir occasionally and simmer (uncovered is fine) for 10–12 minutes until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. It will seem a bit thin at first, but trust the process!
Bring It Together:
Slide the steak (and any juices!) back in. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar. Stir until it’s ooey-gooey, cheesy, and everything is coated in that luscious, smoky sauce. Taste and add extra salt or pepper if needed.
Serve and Enjoy:
Scoop into big bowls, sprinkle with parsley (if you’re feeling fancy), and serve hot. I always sneak a bite straight from the pot—chef’s privilege!

My Secret Tips and Tricks for One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Success

Slice Steak Thinly: The thinner, the better—makes it super tender and helps it soak up all those BBQ flavors.
Use Good BBQ Sauce: The flavor of your smoky honey BBQ steak pasta comes down to the sauce, so use one you really love. (Sweet and smoky, spicy, or classic—they all work!)
Don’t Skip the Sear: Even though everything cooks in one pot, searing the steak first locks in juices and caramelizes those spices.
Let the Pasta Simmer Uncovered: This thickens the sauce beautifully. Stir every couple of minutes so the pasta cooks evenly and nothing sticks.
Go Heavy on Cheese (if you want): Cheddar is classic, but you can toss in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra meltiness and zing.

Creative Variations and Ingredient Swaps

You can absolutely make this One-Pot Steak Pasta your own:

Swap Proteins: Try thin-sliced chicken breast (it cooks quickly too) or even shrimp for a lighter twist.
Make It Vegetarian: Use roasted mushrooms or plant-based steak strips and swap in veggie broth.
Boost the Veggies: Stir in a couple of handfuls of baby spinach, frozen peas, or roasted red peppers in the last few minutes.
Play With Cheese: Smoked gouda, pepper jack, or mozzarella are all terrific melted into the creamy sauce.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check your BBQ sauce ingredients.

How to Serve and Store Your Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

Serving this one-pot steak pasta is honestly a breeze:

Scoop generous portions into deep bowls—maybe with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
Top with extra cheese, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a kick.
Got leftovers? Cool them completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills—just add a splash of water, milk, or broth before reheating on the stove or microwave.
This pasta doesn’t freeze super well (cream + pasta = texture changes), but fresh leftovers reheat perfectly.

FAQs: Your Top Questions About One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Answered

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can! I love prepping the steak and measuring out ingredients the night before. Just wait to cook everything until you’re ready to eat for the best creamy texture.

What’s the best cut of steak for One-Pot Steak Pasta?
Flank steak or sirloin are great—they cook quickly and slice up nice and tender. I occasionally use leftover grilled steak as well (game-changer!).

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Give it a gentle stir every few minutes while simmering. Using enough liquid and the right-sized pot helps the pasta cook evenly.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely—just use a bigger pot and add a little extra broth if needed. Perfect for a hungry crowd or meal prepping.

Is this recipe spicy?
The smoky BBQ gives mild heat, but you can choose a mild or spicy BBQ sauce based on your tastes. For extra kick, sprinkle in a bit of cayenne or serve with hot sauce!

If you give this One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta a try, let me know how it turns out for you! Drop a comment, tag me on social, or just share your own little twists—I love hearing how these recipes bring some warmth and flavor to your table. Happy cooking, friends!