One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a dinner that combines the richness of steak, the tang of honey BBQ, and the comfort of gooey pasta, all in a single magical dish! One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta brings together the star flavors of backyard barbecues and cozy pasta night, but with incredibly easy clean-up. Whether you’re craving something hearty on a weeknight or want to wow your friends at your next family gathering, this recipe delivers serious flavor, satisfying texture, and major convenience—no wonder it’s quickly become a staple in our kitchen!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With this recipe, every ingredient has a clear role—whether it’s infusing the dish with smoky spice, building irresistible sauciness, or adding that finishing cheesy crown. Be sure to gather these simple, everyday staples before you start, because each one truly makes this One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta shine!

• Flank steak or sirloin (1 lb, thinly sliced): Use your favorite cut for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and deep, beefy flavor.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps get a golden sear on your steak and brings everything together in the skillet.
• Smoked paprika (1 tablespoon): Delivers smoky depth and a gorgeous color without needing a smoker or grill.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, savory notes throughout the dish.
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the base flavors, making every bite more comforting.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Amplifies all the other flavors, so don’t skip it!
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Brings a gentle kick—you can always add more if you like it spicy.
• Pasta (2 cups, any shape): Elbows work great, but feel free to use penne, rotini, or whatever you have on hand for that perfect bite.
• Beef broth (1 ½ cups): Gives deep, savory backbone to the sauce and ensures your pasta cooks up flavorful.
• Honey BBQ sauce (½ cup): The sweet, sticky, slightly tangy signature that pulls everything together.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into silky perfection for a crowd-pleasing finish.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (1 tablespoon, for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop right before serving.

How to Make One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add in those slices of steak and let them sizzle undisturbed so you get that beautiful browning. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, until the steak is nicely browned on all sides but still tender inside—it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later, so don’t worry if it’s a little under. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside; we’re building magic in that same pan!

Step 2: Build the Smoky Seasoning Base

Without cleaning your skillet, drop in your smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir them into any beefy bits left in the pan for about a minute. This step unlocks an aromatic base that’s rich and smoky—giving One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta its signature sultry flavor.

Step 3: Add Pasta, Broth, and BBQ Sauce

Now, in goes your dry pasta, beef broth, and that glorious honey BBQ sauce. Give everything a big stir to combine the noodles with all that seasoning and to make sure the pasta is submerged in liquid. Bring the whole skillet to a gentle boil—this will let the pasta absorb all that beefy, smoky, sweet flavor goodness as it cooks.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken the Sauce

Next, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring now and then to prevent sticking. You’re looking for the pasta to be just-cooked and for the sauce to thicken up beautifully—like a smoky BBQ gravy that clings to every noodle!

Step 5: Finish with Steak and Cheese

When the pasta is ready, toss your cooked steak back in and sprinkle over the shredded cheddar cheese. Give it a big stir so the steak gets cozy with the pasta and the cheese melts into a glorious, creamy sauce. Once every bite is glossy and cheesy, turn off the heat.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the pasta into bowls and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley—it brings color, zest, and that final touch of freshness to One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta. Dive in while it’s piping hot!

How to Serve One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

Garnishes

A scatter of fresh parsley is a must for that pop of green and a burst of herbal flavor. If you’re feeling extra, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a few twists of black pepper over the top. Freshly grated cheddar or even a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce can turn an ordinary plate of One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece!

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy, smoky pasta with a crisp green salad dressed simply with a lemon vinaigrette. A side of roasted or steamed veggies, like broccoli or green beans, also balances the richness perfectly. And if you want to go all in, serve with warm crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving in individual mini cast iron skillets for a fun rustic look or pile high in a large serving platter for easy sharing. For a party, spoon portions into cute ramekins with a pinch of extra cheese on top, then broil briefly for a bubbly, golden finish—everybody will swoon for their personal bowl of One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta cool to room temperature, then scoop leftovers into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to three days—just know the sauce will thicken in the fridge, but all the flavors get even richer!

Freezing

You can freeze portions in tightly sealed, freezer-safe containers for up to two months. For the best texture, let everything cool before freezing, and thaw overnight in the fridge before you plan to reheat it.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of beef broth or water to the pasta and warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring often. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. If you like, sprinkle on some extra cheese for that just-made flavor!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are my go-tos for tenderness and flavor, you can swap in ribeye, strip steak, or even pre-sliced stir fry beef. Adjust your cooking time to avoid overcooking, and always slice thin for the best bite.

Which pasta shapes work best in One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta?

Elbow macaroni is classic for this recipe, but any short pasta (like penne, rotini, or shells) holds the sauce perfectly. Just make sure your pasta cooks in the same time frame; adjust the simmer if using thicker shapes.

Is it possible to make this dish spicy?

You can absolutely bring some heat! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or mix in some diced jalapeños when you add the spices for a fiery twist on One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Of course! Swap out the cheddar cheese for your favorite dairy-free alternative. The pasta will still be creamy and packed with flavor—you won’t miss a thing!

What if I don’t have honey BBQ sauce?

No worries! Mix together your favorite BBQ sauce with 1–2 tablespoons of honey for the same sweet, tangy flavor. You can also play with different BBQ sauces for a smoky or spicy variation!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that hits all the comfort notes yet feels exciting and new, One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta is the answer. It’s easy enough for a Tuesday and impressive enough for company. Give it a try, and let this smoky, saucy, cheesy dish earn a spot in your weeknight dinner hall of fame!