Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One-Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Pasta is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, all brought together in a rich, creamy sauce. Made in a single skillet, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or a quick gourmet meal at home.
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
✅ Bold Flavors – A sweet honey glaze, garlic, and spicy sriracha create an irresistible sauce.
✅ One-Pan Convenience – Minimal cleanup makes cooking stress-free.
✅ Customizable – Adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to match your preferences.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Essential Tools & Equipment
- Large Skillet or Pan – A 12-inch skillet is ideal for cooking everything in one pan.
- Tongs – Perfect for flipping steak slices and tossing pasta.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – Essential for slicing the steak thinly.
- Grater – For fresh Parmesan cheese.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
Preparation Tips
- Slice the steak thinly for even cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Cook the pasta al dente since it will continue cooking in the sauce.
- Use fresh garlic for the most aromatic flavor.
- Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the sriracha and red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce Ingredients:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Garnish:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Steak
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the thinly sliced steak, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.
3. Make the Sauce
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, sriracha, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring until well combined. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese to the pan, tossing to coat everything in the sauce.
- Return the cooked steak to the pan and stir well to combine.
- Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to soak into the pasta.
5. Serve & Garnish
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Perfecting Your One-Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Pasta
Serving Suggestions
This One-Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Pasta is bold, rich, and flavorful. To balance its sweet, spicy, and creamy profile, pair it with these delicious sides:
8 Perfect Side Dishes
- Garlic Bread – A crusty, buttery slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables – Try zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus roasted with olive oil and garlic for a healthy addition.
- Caesar Salad – A crisp, tangy salad balances the richness of the pasta.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Ultra-smooth garlic mashed potatoes make a comforting side.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – The smoky sweetness of grilled corn complements the spicy honey glaze.
- Steamed Broccoli – A nutritious and simple side that adds a fresh contrast to the dish.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella bring a refreshing touch.
- Garlic Butter Mushrooms – These rich, umami-packed mushrooms enhance the steak’s flavors.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Making this dish is simple, but here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
❌ Overcooking the Steak
🔹 Tip: Cook steak quickly over high heat (2-3 minutes per side). Overcooking will make it tough and dry.
❌ Using Too Much Sriracha
🔹 Tip: Start with 1 tablespoon and increase as needed. You can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away!
❌ Skipping the Parmesan Cheese
🔹 Tip: Parmesan helps thicken the sauce and adds a deep, nutty flavor. Don’t skip it!
❌ Not Cooking Pasta Al Dente
🔹 Tip: Cook pasta until just firm to the bite since it will continue to cook in the sauce. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy.
❌ Forgetting to Deglaze the Pan
🔹 Tip: After cooking the steak, scrape up browned bits from the pan with the beef broth. This adds extra depth to the sauce!
Recipe Tips for the Best One-Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Pasta
- Use High-Quality Steak – Sirloin and ribeye work best for tenderness and rich flavor. If using a tougher cut, marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Balance Sweet & Spicy – Adjust honey and sriracha to your preferred sweetness or heat level.
- Let the Steak Rest – After cooking, let the steak sit for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy!
- Grate Fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese contains additives that prevent melting. For the best texture, use freshly grated Parmesan.
- Deglaze the Pan – The browned bits left after cooking the steak add amazing depth to the sauce. Scrape them up when adding beef broth.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
How to Store:
✅ Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
❌ Freezing Not Recommended: The creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
How to Reheat:
🔥 Stovetop (Best Method): Add a splash of beef broth or heavy cream and reheat on low until warm.
⚡ Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes! Substitute chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips, and follow the same cooking instructions.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half, coconut milk, or evaporated milk for a lighter version.
3. How spicy is this dish?
This dish has a medium spice level, but you can reduce the heat by using less sriracha and omitting red pepper flakes.
4. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and fettuccine work best, you can also use rigatoni, spaghetti, or rotini.
5. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free soy sauce alternative such as tamari or coconut aminos.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Pasta is a flavor-packed, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of tender steak, spicy-sweet sauce, and creamy Parmesan creates a dish that’s truly unforgettable.
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