If you’re craving something rich, spicy, cheesy, and a little bit sweet all at once, this Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake will absolutely hit the spot! Imagine juicy, seared steak pieces nestled in pillows of pasta, drenched in a silky buffalo-honey cream sauce, and finished with a bubbling, golden layer of cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is made for busy weeknights or a family dinner you really want to celebrate. Every bite of Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is a perfect blend of velvety textures and bold flavors—trust me, it’ll become a staple at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is surprisingly simple, and every single item serves a unique purpose. From the creamy cheeses to the fiery kick of buffalo sauce, each ingredient melds together to create pure comfort food magic.
- Pasta (12 ounces penne or rigatoni): Both shapes hold sauce beautifully, soaking up every bit of flavor for a heartier bite.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Brings depth to the steak and helps achieve that crave-worthy sear.
- Sirloin or flank steak (1 pound, thinly sliced): Choose a well-marbled cut—tender steak makes this dish extra special.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Elevates all those savory flavors and ensures the steak is seasoned to perfection.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic warmth and the perfect punchy backbone to the sauce.
- Buffalo sauce (1/2 cup): The star of the show for that tangy, spicy zing—feel free to adjust to your heat preference.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): The secret to balancing all that spicy goodness with just a hint of sweetness.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the sauce that dreamy, creamy body.
- Cream cheese (1/2 cup, softened): Melts down to make the sauce extra rich, smooth, and slightly tangy.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts perfectly for that gooey, stretchy topping everyone loves.
- Cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Adds sharpness and an irresistible golden finish.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, chopped, optional): Provide a fresh, colorful crunch to balance the richness.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): Just a sprinkle brightens the whole dish and adds a burst of color.
How to Make Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Kick things off by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne or rigatoni and cook until just al dente—remember, the pasta will finish softening while it bakes. Drain it well and set aside; you want it ready and waiting while you build your sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak and give each piece enough room to sear. Cook just 2–3 minutes per side until the edges brown beautifully. Season with salt and pepper as you go, then transfer the steak to a plate. Quick-cooking keeps the steak super tender in the finished bake.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Build the Sauce
Lower the skillet heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just to take off the raw edge and let that irresistible aroma fill your kitchen. Pour in the buffalo sauce, honey, and the heavy cream, whisking to bring everything together. Now comes the good part—stir in the softened cream cheese and keep stirring until it melts into the sauce and everything becomes absolutely luscious.
Step 4: Make it Cheesy and Creamy
Add half the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses directly to your sauce. Keep stirring gently until both melt fully, creating a luxurious, velvety mixture. This layer of flavor is what makes Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake utterly addictive. Slide the seared steak back in, tossing to coat every bite with your buffalo-honey magic.
Step 5: Toss Pasta with Sauce and Assemble
If your skillet is oven-safe, go ahead and add the drained pasta straight in; otherwise, combine everything in a large mixing bowl. Toss until every noodle is enrobed in sauce and studded with steak pieces. Then, pour it all into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing the surface.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses generously on top for that golden, bubbly finish. Bake in your preheated 375°F oven for 15–20 minutes. When the top is melted and golden and the sauce is bubbling, it’s ready. Let it cool just a minute so you don’t burn your tongue!
How to Serve Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake
Garnishes
Top your Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake with a flourish of green onions or fresh parsley. The greens not only add color, but also deliver a crisp finish and a pop of freshness that balances out the rich, spicy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This hearty bake pairs well with a bright and tangy side salad—think romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a zippy ranch or blue cheese dressing. For a cozy dinner, serve alongside roasted broccoli or some crusty garlic bread to mop up every bit of that sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake presentation up a notch by serving it in individual ramekins for a more personal touch, or dish it out family-style in a big, rustic casserole straight from the oven. For parties, scoop it into slider buns or stuff it in bell peppers for a fun spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers of Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake? Lucky you! Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify after a night’s rest, making for an even more delicious next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This pasta bake is a freezer hero. Portion into airtight containers or wrap the whole dish in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy again—don’t forget to add a little milk or cream before reheating if it seems dry.
Reheating
Warm individual servings in the microwave, or reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until hot and bubbly throughout. Mixing in a splash of cream or milk keeps the sauce as creamy as the first night!
FAQs
Can I use a different protein besides steak?
Absolutely! Chicken breast or thighs work great, and even leftover rotisserie chicken can be subbed in for a fast and easy twist on Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake.
How spicy will this recipe turn out?
The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce and how much you use. Start with the recommended amount and add more if you love a fiery kick, or dial it down with extra cream or honey for a milder sauce.
Can I make Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything but don’t bake it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving so it’s hot, fresh, and perfectly melty.
What’s the best way to slice the steak for this dish?
For maximum tenderness, slice your steak thinly against the grain. This keeps each bite juicy and ensures the meat cooks quickly and evenly during the sear.
Can I make this gluten-free?
You sure can. Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your buffalo sauce and other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a weeknight winner or a crowd-pleasing comfort dish, Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is the answer. It’s rich, spicy, cheesy, and a little sweet, all bundled up into one craveable casserole. Give it a try—you’re sure to find new fans around your table!
Print
Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is a delightful fusion dish that combines the bold flavors of buffalo sauce with tender steak, creamy cheese, and pasta, all baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
Steak:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Sear Steak: Sear steak in olive oil until browned; season and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Sauté garlic, add buffalo sauce, honey, and cream. Stir in cheeses until creamy.
- Combine and Bake: Toss steak with sauce and cooked pasta. Top with cheese and bake until golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onions or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by using more or less buffalo sauce.
- You can substitute chicken for steak if preferred.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers.
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