Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal! 🍝🍯🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make pasta bake that combines the sweet heat of honey buffalo sauce with tender steak, then look no further. This Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights, offering a rich, creamy texture with a spicy kick. Packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients, this recipe will quickly become your go-to dinner for satisfying the whole family. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or pasta types!
2. Ingredients List
- 12 oz of your favorite pasta (penne or ziti work great)
- 1 lb of steak, sliced into strips
- 1 cup of buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup of honey for added sweetness
- 1 cup of heavy cream or sour cream for creaminess
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake
1. Prepare the pasta and cook the steak
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak slices with salt and pepper, then cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Make the buffalo sauce and honey mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, honey, and heavy cream or sour cream until well combined. This creates a luscious, spicy-sweet sauce that will flavor your pasta and steak perfectly.
3. Combine ingredients in a baking dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta and steak slices with the buffalo-honey sauce. Transfer everything into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
4. Top with cheeses and bake
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. For an extra crispy topping, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve and garnish
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious creamy pasta bake that combines the best of spicy buffalo, sweet honey, and creamy cheese.
4. Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for 1-2 minutes or place in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F until heated through. For longer storage, consider freezing in portions, but note that texture may change slightly after thawing.
5. Serving Suggestions
This pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. You can also add a side of garlic bread for an extra indulgence. For a complete meal, try pairing it with a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use chicken instead of steak for this pasta bake?
Yes, absolutely! You can substitute cooked chicken breasts or thighs for the steak. Just cook the chicken thoroughly and shred or slice before adding to the pasta and sauce for similar delicious results.
Q2: Is this pasta bake suitable for freezing?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.
Q3: Can I make this pasta bake vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, replace the steak with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. Use a vegetarian buffalo sauce to keep the flavors spicy and savory.
Q4: Where can I find the best buffalo sauce for this pasta bake?
You can make your own buffalo sauce at home or purchase a quality brand from your local grocery store. For an extra kick, try this Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker to prepare custom spicy sauces or drinks that complement your meals.
7. Related Recipes to Enhance Your Culinary Experience
8. External Tools to Elevate Your Cooking
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set for perfect baking and cooking.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 for quick crisping and reheating.
- KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer to prepare creamy sauces with ease.
9. Conclusion
This Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake offers a perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors that will delight your taste buds and satisfy your hunger. Perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings, it combines simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and versatile options. Try this recipe today to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation—your family and friends will thank you! For more quick and flavorful pasta recipes, be sure to visit our food blog.
PrintCreamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal!
Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is the ultimate weeknight comfort food combining tender steak, spicy buffalo sauce, sweet honey, and creamy cheese in a baked pasta dish. Perfect for satisfying hungry families with bold flavors and easy preparation, this hearty casserole is sure to become your new favorite dinner recipe.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 oz of your favorite pasta (penne or ziti work great)
- 1 lb of steak, sliced into strips
- 1 cup of buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup of honey for added sweetness
- 1 cup of heavy cream or sour cream for creaminess
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak slices with salt and pepper, then cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, honey, and heavy cream or sour cream until well combined. This creates a luscious, spicy-sweet sauce that will flavor your pasta and steak perfectly.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta and steak slices with the buffalo-honey sauce. Transfer everything into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. For an extra crispy topping, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious creamy honey buffalo steak pasta bake.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute chicken for steak for a quicker version.
- Use your favorite pasta shape for variation.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- For a spicy kick, add extra buffalo sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stove-top
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low-Carb, High-Protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 520 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg