One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta
One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta: A Cozy Night-In Favorite
Every now and then, a single bite sweeps me right back to my childhood home—the kitchen abuzz, Dad humming over the stove, and that irresistible scent of smoky, sweet barbecue wafting through the hallway. This One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta recipe brings back those memories every time I make it.
There’s just something magical about one-pot wonder dinners—everything simmering together, flavors melding, and far fewer dishes piling up (can I get an amen?). If you love bold, barbecue flavors and crave a creamy, comforting bowl of pasta, you’re in for a treat with this easy steak pasta. Let’s dig into why this one-pot smoky honey BBQ steak pasta has become my go-to comfort food!
Why You’ll Adore This One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta
This isn’t just another “beef pasta dinner” (though it certainly checks all the weeknight-dinner boxes). Here are a few heartfelt reasons why I know you’ll swoon for every bite:
- Big Flavor, Minimal Effort: Everything happens in just one pot—juicy steak, creamy sauce, and pasta all cook together. Less fuss, more reward.
- Smoky-Sweet Bliss: The smoky paprika and BBQ sauce pair with honey to create a rich, balanced flavor profile that keeps you coming back for seconds (and sometimes…thirds).
- Creamy Comfort: The combination of cheddar, cream, and a splash of milk makes for the coziest, cheesiest pasta sauce ever. Perfect for chilly nights in.
- Family & Fussy-Eater Friendly: Kids love the familiar BBQ and cheesy flavors, and it’s hearty enough for even the hungriest grown-ups.
Seriously—if there’s one easy weeknight pasta recipe to have on repeat, this is it.
Ingredients You’ll Need for One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta
Here’s the full lineup and a few tips to make every ingredient shine!
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1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- (Sirloin is usually my pick for a slightly more tender bite, but any lean cut works!)
-
2 tbsp olive oil
- (Adds flavor and helps get that irresistible steak sear.)
-
1 tbsp smoked paprika
- (Don’t skip this! It’s the key to big, smoky BBQ pasta flavor.)
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1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder
- (Classic pantry seasonings that add savory depth.)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
- (I always taste before serving for that “just right” finish.)
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2 tbsp honey
- (Balances the BBQ sauce’s tang. Adds subtle sweetness you’ll love!)
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1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- (Use your favorite brand! I love a smoky-sweet style here.)
-
1 cup heavy cream & 1/2 cup milk
- (Together, they create decadent, creamy sauce.)
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2 cups penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
- (Short pasta shapes work best; they soak up the flavors!)
-
2 cups beef broth or water
- (Broth means MAX flavor, but water works too.)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- (I always shred my own for that perfect, melty finish.)
-
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
- (Adds fresh color and a hint of brightness.)
Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Perfect One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta
Cooking this steak pasta is as breezy as a summer BBQ—promise! Here’s how we do it:
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Sear the Steak:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high. Season thin-sliced steak with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sear steak until browned and just cooked (about 2–3 minutes). Set aside for now. -
Start the Sauce:
In the same pot (hello, flavor!), pour in the BBQ sauce, honey, heavy cream, milk, and beef broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. -
Add Pasta and Simmer:
Dump in your dry penne or rotini. Give it a good stir and let it simmer, uncovered, for 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks. You’ll want the pasta tender and the sauce thickened. -
Finish with Steak & Cheese:
Slide the seared steak back into the pot. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, then stir until everything’s melty, creamy, and beautifully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. -
Garnish & Serve:
Dish up generous bowls, topping with chopped parsley if you like. Serve piping hot and bask in the smoky, cheesy aroma!
Tip: Don’t overcook your steak at the start. A quick sear is all it needs—let it finish cooking when you stir it back in for ultra-tender bites!
My Secret Tips and Tricks for One-Pot Steak Pasta Success
After making this creamy BBQ steak pasta more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks:
- Cut Steak Thin: The thinner you slice your steak, the quicker (and more evenly) it cooks. This is especially key for a weeknight “one-pot dinner.”
- Use High-Quality BBQ Sauce: Your sauce flavors everything! I recommend a smoky-sweet BBQ sauce for best results in this one-pot BBQ pasta.
- Stir, Don’t Rush: Give the pasta a stir every few minutes as it cooks; this prevents sticking and helps everything cook evenly.
- Let Cheese Melt Off-Heat: Once the cheddar is in, you can remove the pot from heat and cover it for a minute. This ensures that extra-creamy, gooey texture we all love in creamy pasta.
Creative Variations and Ingredient Swaps
Cooking for special diets or just wanna shake things up? Here are some fun ways to personalize your one-pot BBQ steak pasta recipe:
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Protein Swap:
Try chicken breast or thighs for a twist on BBQ chicken pasta. Or, go meatless with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu! -
Go Spicy:
Add a pinch of cayenne or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick in your smoky honey pasta. -
Make it Lighter:
Substitute half & half for the cream, or use whole milk and a little extra cheese to keep things creamy (but lighter). -
Pasta Picks:
Short-cut pastas are best, but feel free to sub in whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed. -
Add Veggies:
Toss in frozen peas, corn, or even diced bell pepper for a complete one-pot meal (and extra color!).
How to Serve and Store Your One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta
This dish is best served piping hot, straight from the pot! I love to top individual bowls with a sprinkle of cheddar or fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a rounded-out meal.
- It’s a potluck favorite—easy to keep warm and SO crowd-pleasing.
Storing Leftovers:
- Let the BBQ steak pasta cool fully.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy BBQ sauce. (It freezes okay, but the cream sauce might separate a bit—still delicious for quick lunches!)
FAQs: Your Top Questions About One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Answered
Can I make this one-pot BBQ steak pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! It reheats really well—just store in the fridge and add a splash of broth or milk when reheating for a silky, creamy pasta sauce.
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! While flank steak or sirloin are great, any quick-cooking, lean cut works. Just slice it thin for that perfect one-pot steak pasta texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
Nope—unless your BBQ sauce is hot! For a kick, sprinkle in some chili flakes, or keep it mild for picky eaters.
Can I use a different cheese?
Cheddar is classic, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a twist on creamy steak pasta.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Give everything a gentle stir every few minutes and make sure your pot is big enough for the pasta to “swim” in as the sauce simmers.
Cozy dinners shouldn’t be complicated, and this one-pot smoky honey BBQ steak pasta proves just that. With smoky flavor, a hint of sweetness, and creamy, cheesy goodness, I hope it brings as much warmth to your kitchen as it does to mine. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me if you try it—nothing makes me happier than seeing your weeknight wins!
Happy cooking, friends!
One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta
Ingredients
For the steak
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced Sirloin is usually a more tender bite, but any lean cut works.
- 2 tbsp olive oil Helps get that irresistible steak sear.
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika Key ingredient for big, smoky BBQ flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic powder Adds savory depth.
- 1 tsp onion powder Adds savory depth.
- to taste salt & pepper Taste before serving for desired seasoning.
For the sauce
- 2 tbsp honey Balances the BBQ sauce’s tang.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce Use your favorite brand; a smoky-sweet style is best.
- 1 cup heavy cream Creates a decadent, creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup milk Used to adjust consistency of sauce.
- 2 cups beef broth or water Broth provides maximum flavor.
For the pasta
- 2 cups penne or rotini pasta (uncooked) Short pasta shapes work best.
For garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Shred your own for a perfect, melty finish.
- to taste chopped parsley Optional, for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high.
- Season thin-sliced steak with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear steak until browned and just cooked, about 2–3 minutes. Set aside.
Cooking
- In the same pot, pour in the BBQ sauce, honey, heavy cream, milk, and beef broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add dry pasta and stir. Let it simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once pasta is tender and sauce is thickened, stir in the seared steak and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
Serving
- Dish up bowls and top with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.
