One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta is a bold, flavor-packed dish that brings the richness of seared steak, the sweetness of honey, and the smoky tang of barbecue sauce together in one comforting bowl. The best part? It all comes together in a single pot — including the pasta. When I want something hearty, slightly sweet, and full of bold flavor, this is the meal I turn to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe gives me steakhouse-level flavor with minimal cleanup. The smoky BBQ sauce blends beautifully with the honey and garlic, and the pasta absorbs all those flavors while cooking right in the same pot. It’s the perfect mix of sweet, smoky, savory, and creamy — and the steak adds that satisfying bite that makes the dish feel special and indulgent.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Steak (sirloin, flank, or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces

• Olive oil or butter

• Garlic, minced

• Onion, diced

• Smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper

• Pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work well)

• BBQ sauce (smoky-style)

• Honey

• Beef broth (or water + bouillon)

• Heavy cream

• Shredded cheddar cheese or a cheese blend

• Chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. I start by heating olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. I sear the steak pieces until browned, then remove them and set aside.

2. In the same pot, I add a bit more oil and sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.

3. I stir in smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then add the dry pasta directly to the pot.

4. I pour in the beef broth, BBQ sauce, honey, and stir everything to combine. I bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

5. I let the pasta cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 12–15 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

6. I stir in the cream and shredded cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

7. I return the seared steak to the pot, toss to coat, and let it warm through for 1–2 minutes before serving. I finish with fresh parsley if I have it on hand.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s great for weeknights when I want something filling without the extra dishes.

Variations

Sometimes I use chicken or sausage instead of steak, depending on what I have. For more veggies, I throw in corn, bell peppers, or spinach toward the end of cooking. I also switch up the cheese — smoked gouda or pepper jack give it a fun twist. For a spicier version, I add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the BBQ-honey blend.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of broth or milk and warm it in a pan over low heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. It reheats creamy and flavorful every time.

FAQs

What’s the best steak cut for this recipe?

I use sirloin for its balance of tenderness and affordability. Ribeye adds richness, and flank steak works well if sliced thin across the grain.

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Yes, I usually go with a smoky or hickory-style BBQ sauce. If it’s too sweet, I adjust the honey down slightly to keep the balance.

Do I need to cook the pasta separately?

No, that’s the beauty of this recipe. The pasta cooks right in the sauce and broth, soaking up all that smoky, savory flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes, I prep everything ahead and store it in the fridge. It reheats well and makes great leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.

What’s the best cheese to use?

I like cheddar for a classic sharp flavor, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a smoked cheese blend all melt beautifully and add their own twist.

Conclusion

One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta is a crave-worthy dish that combines everything I love — juicy steak, smoky BBQ flavor, sweet honey, and creamy cheese — all in one pot. It’s simple enough for a casual dinner but bold enough to impress. Whether I’m feeding my family or just myself, this pasta always delivers the perfect balance of comfort and flavor.

One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4–6
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: One-Pot
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

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Description

One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta is a bold, all-in-one comfort meal featuring seared steak, smoky BBQ sauce, honey, and pasta cooked together in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb steak (sirloin, flank, or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (smoky-style)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 3 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or cheese blend
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium-high. Sear steak until browned, then remove and set aside.
2. Add remaining oil, then sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
3. Stir in smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add pasta, BBQ sauce, honey, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, and cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
5. Stir in cream and cheese until smooth and creamy.
6. Return steak to pot, toss to coat, and heat through for 1–2 minutes. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.

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Notes

• Use chicken or sausage for variation.
• Add bell peppers, corn, or spinach for extra veggies.
• Switch to smoked gouda or pepper jack for a cheesy twist.
• Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 740mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 105mg