If you’re looking for a dish that brings together bold flavors and comforting textures in one irresistible meal, the Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. This pasta bake combines tender slices of steak with a luscious, spicy-sweet buffalo sauce, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s the perfect harmony of heat, honeyed sweetness, and satisfying creaminess, layered into every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this bake promises to be a total crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in the Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake Recipe plays a crucial role in delivering both flavor and texture, making this dish a well-rounded feast for your taste buds. From the hearty pasta base to the creamy sauces and perfectly cooked steak, these simple yet essential components come together in a truly spectacular way.
- 250 g pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni): These shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, making every forkful full of flavor.
- 300 g steak (sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced: Choose tender cuts for juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat that stands up to the bold sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the steak and adding a subtle fruity depth without overpowering the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic base that complements the buffalo spice.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The cornerstone of our creamy sauce, adding richness and smoothness.
- ½ cup buffalo sauce: Brings that classic tangy heat and bold flavor that defines buffalo dishes.
- 2 tbsp honey: A touch of sweetness that balances the spiciness and adds complexity.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth enhancing the buffalo flavor profile.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Adds an extra layer of savory depth to the sauce.
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love an extra kick of heat in their creamy pasta bake.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melting perfectly to add gooey, cheesy goodness.
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese: Known for its stretchy texture and mild flavor, great for the topping.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Boosts creaminess with a slight tang to brighten the sauce.
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish): Fresh herbs add a pop of color and fresh bite at the end.
How to Make Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. This ensures it holds shape and absorbs the sauce perfectly without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain and set it aside while you prepare the flavorful layers of the bake.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat, then add the thinly sliced steak seasoned with salt and pepper. Sear the meat until it develops a beautiful browned crust but remains tender inside. Removing the steak once browned keeps it juicy, ready to join the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same pan, toss in the minced garlic and sauté briefly until it becomes fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, buffalo sauce, and honey, and sprinkle in smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne if you want that extra heat. Let the sauce simmer gently for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a spicy-sweet masterpiece.
Step 4: Combine with Cheese and Pasta
Stir in sour cream and half of your shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce until it melts into a luscious coating. Add the cooked pasta, folding everything together so every piece is luxuriously covered. This step ensures your pasta bake stays creamy and flavorful throughout.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the creamy, saucy pasta and steak mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to create that irresistible golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and perfectly browned on top.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped green onions over your baked pasta for a fresh and vibrant touch. Serve this piping hot, and enjoy the creamy, honey-kissed buffalo flavors wrapped around tender steak and comforting pasta—pure bliss on a plate.
How to Serve Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped green onions are the ideal garnish, adding a splash of color and a gentle crunch that cuts through the rich creaminess. If you want to add a little extra zing, a light drizzle of buffalo sauce on top after baking creates an exciting burst of flavor with every bite.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides simple and fresh to balance the richness. A crisp green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette or a side of steamed broccoli brightens the meal and provides a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread also works wonderfully for soaking up any extra sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta bake in individual ramekins to make everyone’s portion feel extra special. You can also layer the ingredients in a clear casserole dish so the beautiful colors and textures peek through, making it as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal just as satisfying. Leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
The Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake Recipe freezes well, making it a great make-ahead option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 160°C (325°F) covered with foil to keep the moisture, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to maintain creaminess. Adding a splash of cream or milk during reheating helps refresh the sauce and keeps the pasta moist.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne, rotini, and rigatoni are ideal because they hold the sauce well, you can use fusilli, farfalle, or even macaroni if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook it al dente to avoid a mushy bake.
What steak cut works best for this recipe?
Sirloin and ribeye are fantastic choices thanks to their tenderness and flavor. However, flank steak or skirt steak can also be used if sliced very thinly against the grain to keep the meat tender.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
Yes! Simply reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or omit the cayenne pepper if you prefer milder heat. You can also add a touch more honey or sour cream to balance spiciness with sweetness and creaminess.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the pasta, steak, and sauce separately ahead of time and combine and bake right before serving. This saves time on the day of and allows the flavors to develop even more.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, whole milk mixed with a bit of butter can work, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream adds creaminess with a slight sweetness that pairs nicely with buffalo flavors.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake Recipe that makes it a forever favorite in my kitchen. It’s a wonderful blend of spicy, sweet, creamy, and savory that comes together effortlessly to create a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to weeknight dinner or a shining star for your next gathering. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake combines tender slices of steak with a rich, spicy buffalo cream sauce, sweetened with a touch of honey and balanced with smoked paprika and onion powder. Tossed with cooked pasta and cheeses, then baked to perfection until golden and bubbly, it’s a hearty and flavorful comfort food perfect for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 250 g pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 300 g steak (sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 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)
- ½ tsp salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be added later.
- Cook the Steak: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Season the thinly sliced steak with salt and pepper, then add to the pan. Cook the steak slices until they are browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove steak from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce: In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the heavy cream, buffalo sauce, honey, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add Sour Cream and Cheese: Stir in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce. Mix well until the cheese starts to melt and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and the browned steak back into the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and steak are well coated.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the creamy pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake to Finish: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot for a deliciously creamy and spicy meal.
Notes
- Use sirloin or ribeye steak for best flavor and tenderness; other cuts may work but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce and cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.
- For a milder version, reduce the buffalo sauce and skip the cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; bake briefly to re-melt the cheese.
- If you prefer, use different types of pasta like fusilli or farfalle for variation.
