One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that checks every comfort food box—savory, sweet, smoky, and oh-so-easy to make—then look no further than the One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta. This recipe has quickly become a dinner table legend in my house, thanks to its irresistibly saucy noodles, juicy steak slices, and the subtle warmth from a smoky honey BBQ sauce. Best of all, it comes together in a single pan, with effortless cleanup and layers of flavor that make you want to go back for seconds…and maybe even thirds!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of key ingredients, One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta delivers huge flavors. Every single item has its role—whether that’s giving the dish its hearty bite, velvety texture, or that crave-worthy barbecue zing. Here’s what you’ll need, plus some tips to make each step count:

• Flank steak or sirloin (1 lb, thinly sliced): The star of the show, providing heaps of meaty flavor and tenderness if sliced against the grain.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For browning the steak and building the first layer of savory goodness right in your pan.
• Smoked paprika (1 tablespoon): This spice is what brings the signature smokiness; don’t skip it!
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds earthy depth and makes the kitchen smell amazing as soon as it hits the pan.
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a gentle, rounded sweetness to the base flavors—think of it as instant “umami.”
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Just enough to wake up and bind all the flavors together without overpowering the sauce.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): For a subtle kick and warmth in every bite.
• Pasta, any shape (2 cups): Elbow macaroni works perfectly, catching every drop of sauce, but feel free to use your favorite short pasta.
• Beef broth (1 ½ cups): The secret to moist, flavorful pasta—not just water!
• Honey BBQ sauce (½ cup): Where all the sweetness, tang, and barbecue magic come in—choose your favorite brand.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): For that creamy factor, helping everything cling together in cheesy harmony.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (1 tablespoon, for garnish): A little color and freshness to finish things off right before serving.

How to Make One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, toss in your thinly sliced steak and let it sizzle! Brown the meat on all sides; this usually takes about 5-7 minutes and is key for both flavor and texture. Take care not to overcrowd the pan, or you’ll end up steaming rather than searing. Once the steak develops a nice crust, transfer it to a plate and set aside for later.

Step 2: Toast the Spices

With the steak out of the pan, you’re left with glorious browned bits—don’t wipe them away! Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper directly into the skillet. Stir them around for just a minute; this wakes up the spices and infuses the oil with smoky, aromatic notes that’ll flavor the pasta later on.

Step 3: Build the Pasta Base

Add your dry pasta, beef broth, and honey BBQ sauce straight to the skillet. Stir well to combine so nothing clings to the bottom. Boost the heat back up and bring it to a rolling boil—at this point, spoonfuls of aroma start wafting through your kitchen and the anticipation builds!

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Once boiling, immediately lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Let everything cook for 10-12 minutes, checking and stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick. The pasta will soak up the flavors, the sauce will thicken, and this magical One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta will start coming together beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Steak and Cheese

Now for the grand finale: return the cooked steak and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well coated and the cheese is thoroughly melted. The pasta should look glossy, saucy, and incredibly inviting—if it seems a bit thick, you can splash in another dash of broth to loosen things up.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and brightness. This final touch is surprisingly important, as it helps balance the richness of the One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta, taking it from weeknight comfort to dinner-party special in seconds.

How to Serve One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

Garnishes

A generous handful of freshly chopped parsley makes your One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta pop on the plate—visually and flavor-wise! You could also hit it with a sprinkle of extra cheddar for extra cheesiness or toss on chives for a delicate oniony finish. Even a dash of smoked paprika or a few cracks of black pepper look irresistible just before serving.

Side Dishes

This pasta is definitely a main event, but pairing it with the right sides elevates the whole meal. I love serving it with a tangy green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette, which cuts nicely through the smoky richness. Garlic bread or fluffy dinner rolls will help mop up every bit of saucy goodness, and, if you’re in the mood, some steamed or roasted vegetables pair deliciously and add color to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try serving One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta in individual bowls or deep plates, twirling the pasta into neat nests with tongs. For a family-style vibe, bring the skillet straight to the table—the rustic look is inviting and everyone can dig in. You can even top with crisply fried onions or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for a playful, gourmet finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers almost as good (if not better) than the first day!

Freezing

This dish is surprisingly freezer friendly. To freeze, let everything cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best texture when reheated, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen up the sauce, then warm gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring halfway through. Make sure it’s steaming hot throughout, and add extra cheese or fresh parsley just before serving to revive those bright, fresh flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are my favorites for tenderness and flavor, you can use strip steak, ribeye, or even leftover roast beef. Just slice it thinly against the grain so it stays melt-in-your-mouth tender in the pasta.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, the One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta isn’t spicy by default—the smoky paprika brings depth, not heat. If you want a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños when you cook the spices!

Which pasta shapes work best?

Short shapes like elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini work best because they cook quickly and soak up lots of sauce. If you opt for a different shape, just keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust as needed.

Can I make it gluten free?

Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and double check that your BBQ sauce is gluten-free. Cooking times for gluten-free pasta might vary, so test for doneness as you go.

What if I don’t have honey BBQ sauce?

No worries! You can use regular BBQ sauce and stir in a tablespoon of honey for sweetness. Or try a smoky chipotle BBQ sauce to put your own spin on the One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about sharing a skillet of One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta with family or friends—and knowing the entire meal was a low-fuss, all-in-one wonder. If you crave cozy, barbecue-inspired dinners that don’t leave you with a sink full of dishes, this is your sign to try it. I can’t wait for you to give this a spot on your regular dinner rotation!