This Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort dish, blending spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender steak into one irresistible casserole. It’s savory, a little sweet, and bursting with bold flavors. Whether you’re looking to spice up a weeknight dinner or impress guests at your next gathering, this dish has got you covered!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and creamy. The buffalo sauce adds a tangy kick, while the honey brings in a touch of sweetness to mellow it out. The combination of cheeses gives it a rich and gooey texture, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Plus, adding steak to pasta is always a win in my book—it’s hearty and filling, making it a great choice for a comforting meal. It’s an easy-to-make dish that doesn’t require much prep but delivers big on flavor!
Ingredients
250 g pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
300 g steak (sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup buffalo sauce
2 tbsp honey
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup mozzarella cheese
¼ cup sour cream
2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside.
Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the steak until it’s browned and then remove it from the pan.
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, stir in the heavy cream, buffalo sauce, honey, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if you like it spicier). Let it simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
Stir in the sour cream, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the cooked pasta. Mix everything together until well combined.
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and serve hot!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4-6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian version: Swap the steak for a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, or add in extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
Cheese options: If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to experiment with pepper jack for extra spice or gouda for a smoky flavor.
Extra heat: For those who love an intense kick, add more cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also add a little extra cheese on top before reheating for extra creaminess.
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FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne, rotini, or rigatoni are great choices because they hold the sauce well, but spaghetti, fusilli, or any other pasta shape will work too.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time, then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake it, just top with cheese and pop it in the oven for the final baking step.
Is the steak optional, or can I use another protein?
If you prefer, you can substitute the steak with chicken, turkey, or even ground beef. If you want to keep it vegetarian, a meat alternative like tofu or tempeh will work too.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! You can experiment with various cheeses such as gouda, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses. Mozzarella will keep it creamy, but cheddar is key for that classic cheesy bite.
Can I adjust the spiciness level?
Yes! If you like less spice, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or leave it out entirely. If you love heat, increase the amount of buffalo sauce or cayenne pepper to your liking.
Conclusion
This Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is an absolute game-changer. It combines the best of creamy comfort food with the bold flavors of buffalo sauce, all topped with gooey cheese. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re feeding your family or serving up a dish for guests. I know you’ll love this one!
📖 Recipe:
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Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
This Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food with a bold twist. Tender steak, spicy buffalo sauce, sweet honey, and gooey melted cheese come together in a hearty, satisfying casserole. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish at your next gathering, this recipe blends spicy and creamy flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
250 g pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
300 g steak (sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup buffalo sauce
2 tbsp honey
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup mozzarella cheese
¼ cup sour cream
2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced steak, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Remove steak from the pan.
- In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream, buffalo sauce, honey, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne (if using). Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Add the cooked pasta and mix until well combined.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, then top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add extra cheese on top for added creaminess.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just top with cheese before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Comfort Food, Pasta Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
