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One-Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Pasta

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This One-Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Pasta is a knockout combo of rich umami, fiery spice, and silky creaminess. Imagine juicy slices of perfectly seared steak, nestled into a bed of creamy garlic pasta, kissed with sweet honey and a touch of heat, all brought together in one skillet for the easiest dinner clean-up ever.

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The sauce clings beautifully to the spiraled pasta, with bursts of blistered cherry tomatoes and broccolini adding freshness and vibrant color. It’s a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is totally doable on a weeknight—bold, comforting, and bursting with flavor.


Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Pasta

This dish is a trifecta of spicy, sweet, and savory. The honey balances the chili flakes and garlic, while the seared steak adds depth and richness. And best of all, it’s all cooked in one pan—no juggling multiple pots. It’s perfect for date nights, busy weeknights, or when you just want something impressive without the effort.


What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

You can use flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye—anything tender and quick-cooking. The key is to slice it thinly against the grain for max tenderness. Marinate or not, it still shines with that sticky, spicy honey garlic glaze.


Ingredients for the One-Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Pasta

  • Steak: Your protein hero, it brings rich flavor and hearty texture.
  • Pasta: A twisty shape like fusilli or rotini catches the creamy sauce in every bite.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Adds juicy, sweet pops to contrast the spice.
  • Broccolini: Offers earthy crunch and a vibrant green touch.
  • Garlic: The foundation of flavor.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Delivers that slow-building heat.
  • Honey: Rounds out the heat with mellow sweetness.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the glaze.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates that luscious base for the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for savory creaminess.
  • Olive Oil & Butter: For searing and flavor layering.
  • Salt & Black Pepper: The essential finishers.

How To Make the One-Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak slices with salt and pepper, then sear for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Veggies

In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Toss in broccolini and cherry tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes blister and broccolini turns bright and tender-crisp, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from pan.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in soy sauce and honey, letting it bubble for a minute.

Step 4: Add Cream & Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan and let it melt into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add uncooked pasta directly into the sauce along with enough water to just cover (about 2 to 2.5 cups). Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens, about 10–12 minutes.

Step 6: Finish & Serve

Return steak, tomatoes, and broccolini to the pan. Toss everything to coat. Simmer 2 more minutes to reheat. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or chili flakes if desired.


Serving Suggestions for One-Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Pasta

This hearty skillet meal serves 4 to 5 people. Serve it straight from the pan with a simple side salad or some warm bread. It’s rich, so something light and crunchy balances it beautifully.


How to Store Leftover Pasta

Let leftovers cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Not ideal for freezing due to the cream sauce texture, but it’s so good it likely won’t last that long!


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with chicken instead of steak?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well. Just cook them thoroughly and slice before adding back in.

Is it too spicy for kids?
You can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes if needed. The honey balances the heat, so it’s more warm than fiery.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Whole milk can work, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a bit of flour or extra Parmesan to help thicken it.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?
Nope! That’s the beauty of one-pan meals—it cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all the flavor.

What’s the best pasta shape for this?
Fusilli, rotini, or even penne work best. You want shapes with nooks to hold the sauce.


Want More Pasta Ideas with a Bold Twist?

If this spicy steak pasta hits the spot, here are more recipes you’ll love:


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One-Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Pasta


  • Author: Mia McKenny
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Get dinner on the table fast with this bold and creamy One-Pan Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Pasta. It’s the perfect fusion of sweet heat and rich savory flavor, combining seared steak, garlicky cream sauce, and pasta all in one skillet. This easy recipe is a knockout choice for quick dinner ideas, cozy comfort meals, or spicy pasta lovers—your new go-to for easy weeknight food ideas.


Ingredients

226g steak, thinly sliced

170g fusilli or rotini pasta

150g cherry tomatoes

120g broccolini, trimmed

3 cloves garlic, minced

0.5 tsp red pepper flakes

2 tbsp honey

2 tbsp soy sauce

240ml heavy cream

60g grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter

0.5 tsp salt

0.25 tsp black pepper

480ml water (for pasta)


Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak with salt and pepper, then sear for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Add broccolini and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until tomatoes blister and broccolini softens. Remove from pan.

3. Lower heat to medium. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce and honey. Let bubble briefly.

4. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan. Simmer gently until sauce is creamy.

5. Add uncooked pasta and pour in water until just covered. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes until pasta is cooked and sauce thickens.

6. Return steak, broccolini, and tomatoes to the pan. Toss everything together and heat for another 2 minutes. Serve hot with extra Parmesan or chili flakes if desired.

Notes

Use a tender cut of steak and slice against the grain for best texture.

Don’t skip the honey—it balances the spice and rounds out the sauce.

Add a splash of cream when reheating leftovers to keep the pasta silky.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One-Pan
  • Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (¼ of recipe)
  • Calories: 565
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 510mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: spicy pasta, steak pasta, one-pan dinner, easy weeknight meals, creamy pasta

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