This One-Pot Honey BBQ Steak Pasta is the perfect fusion of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors — a hearty and comforting dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Tender slices of seared steak are simmered in a rich honey BBQ cream sauce with garlic, butter, and herbs, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that’s both indulgent and effortless.
Every bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and subtly sweet flavors, with the steak adding depth and the honey BBQ sauce giving it that irresistible tang. It’s a weeknight-friendly recipe that feels gourmet but takes less than 40 minutes to make — all in one pot, with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Honey BBQ Steak Pasta
You’ll love this recipe because it transforms a simple steak dinner into a rich, comforting pasta dish that’s bursting with bold flavor. The honey BBQ sauce blends beautifully with garlic butter and cream, creating a velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta. The steak stays juicy and tender, while the sauce picks up hints of caramelized sweetness from the honey and a touch of smoke from the BBQ.
It’s the kind of meal that satisfies every craving — creamy, hearty, and full of flavor — and it’s made in one pot, which means less mess and more time to enjoy.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you love creamy pasta but want something different from the usual Alfredo or tomato-based sauces, this recipe delivers a unique twist. The combination of honey, BBQ, garlic, and butter creates a sauce that’s rich and complex, yet balanced. The one-pot method ensures the pasta absorbs all the delicious flavors as it cooks, making every bite taste even better.
It’s perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or even date nights when you want something impressive but easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 12 oz (340 g) penne, rotini, or fettuccine pasta
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Optional Add-Ins
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Spinach or kale for greens
- Extra BBQ sauce for topping
How to Make One-Pot Honey BBQ Steak Pasta (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Steak
Pat the steak slices dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Sear the Steak
In a large deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the steak slices and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the steak from the pot and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Onion
In the same pot, add a bit more butter if needed. Sauté the diced onion for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent, then stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the Sauce Ingredients
Stir in the honey, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Mix well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
5. Add Broth and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add the pasta, stirring to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Stir in the Cream and Cheese
Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
7. Return the Steak to the Pot
Add the seared steak back into the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
8. Taste and Adjust
Taste and season with additional salt, pepper, or BBQ sauce as desired.
9. Serve and Garnish
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and a drizzle of honey BBQ sauce if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every smoky, buttery, creamy bite.
10 Tips for the Best One-Pot Honey BBQ Steak Pasta
- Use a tender cut of steak like sirloin or ribeye for the best texture.
- Sear the steak first to lock in juices and develop flavor.
- Don’t overcook the steak; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce — smoky, spicy, or sweet all work beautifully.
- Add the cream at the end to prevent curdling.
- Stir frequently so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
- Grate your own parmesan for the smoothest sauce texture.
- Balance the sweetness by tasting and adjusting with extra salt or spice.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.
- Garnish generously — fresh herbs or extra cheese elevate the presentation.
10 Variations & Substitutions
- Chicken BBQ Pasta: Use chicken breast or thighs instead of steak.
- Spicy Chipotle Twist: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Smoky Bacon Version: Add crispy bacon for depth and crunch.
- Vegetarian Option: Use mushrooms or plant-based steak strips.
- Extra Creamy: Add cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Cheesy BBQ Pasta Bake: Transfer to a dish, top with cheese, and bake for 10 minutes.
- Honey Mustard Version: Mix 1 tablespoon mustard into the sauce for tang.
- Garlic Lover’s Upgrade: Double the garlic for stronger aroma.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Asian Fusion Twist: Replace BBQ sauce with teriyaki and add sesame seeds.
What to Serve With One-Pot Honey BBQ Steak Pasta (Step-by-Step)
- Serve with garlic bread or cheesy toast to soak up the sauce.
- Add a fresh green salad with balsamic dressing for contrast.
- Pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers.
- Serve alongside corn on the cob for a Southern-inspired touch.
- Add a glass of red wine or iced tea for a complete meal.
- Finish with brownies or chocolate lava cake for dessert.
- For gatherings, serve with coleslaw or baked beans as hearty sides.
Storage & Reheating Tips (Step-by-Step)
To Store
Cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Freeze
Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
To Reheat (From Refrigerator)
Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.
To Reheat (From Frozen)
Thaw completely, then reheat gently on the stovetop until hot.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use any steak cut? Yes, but tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye work best.
- Can I use leftover steak? Absolutely — add it during the final minutes of cooking.
- Can I make it spicier? Add chili flakes, cayenne, or hot BBQ sauce.
- Can I use chicken instead? Yes, chicken or even shrimp work well.
- Can I skip the cream? You can use milk, but it will be less rich.
- Can I add vegetables? Yes, mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers are great options.
- Can I use another cheese? Cheddar or mozzarella can substitute parmesan.
- Can I cook the pasta separately? You can, but cooking in one pot adds flavor.
- Can I make it dairy-free? Use coconut cream and omit cheese.
- Can I use different BBQ sauces? Yes — honey, smoky, or spicy all taste amazing.
- Can I use short pasta? Yes, penne and rotini hold the sauce well.
- How do I make it thicker? Simmer uncovered for a few minutes longer.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, just use a large enough pot.
- Can I meal prep this dish? Yes, it reheats beautifully.
- Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes, just adjust the cooking time.
- What if the sauce gets too thick? Add a bit more broth or cream.
- Can I make it with ground beef? Yes, though sliced steak adds a richer texture.
- Can I add bacon or sausage? Definitely — both pair well with BBQ flavors.
- Can I add honey at the end? Yes, for a glossy finish and extra sweetness.
- Can I make it in the Instant Pot? Yes, cook on HIGH for 5 minutes, then quick release.