Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines a range of bold flavors—spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and sweet honey—all in one comforting, baked pasta dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser and easily customizable to suit different spice levels or protein preferences. You can enjoy this dish as is, or switch things up with extra cheese or alternative proteins like chicken or shrimp.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak, cooked and sliced (sirloin or ribeye recommended)
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups spinach (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
(Optional Add-ins: crispy bacon, blue cheese crumbles, or mushrooms)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cooked steak slices, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes to warm and season the steak.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, honey, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine pasta, sautéed steak, spinach (optional), and the buffalo honey sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a crispy top.
- Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover pasta bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave in individual servings.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, you can add extra buffalo sauce or red pepper flakes to increase the heat level.
2. Can I substitute the steak?
Absolutely! You can swap the steak for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a different protein.
3. What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Penne or rigatoni work best, as their shape holds the sauce well. However, you can use other pasta shapes too.
4. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can mix in other cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack for a creamier texture or a different flavor.
5. Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
To reduce calories, use less cheese, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, and omit the bacon or other add-ins.
6. How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy?
Undercook the pasta slightly during the boiling process since it will continue to cook in the oven.
7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking.
8. What side dishes go well with this pasta bake?
Garlic bread, a Caesar salad, or roasted Brussels sprouts are great sides to complement the richness of this dish.
9. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta bake for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes.
10. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
The Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is a mouthwatering dish that combines bold flavors with comfort. It’s perfect for any occasion and easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress!
Print
Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Description
This Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake combines spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and sweet honey for a flavor-packed dish. Featuring tender steak, cheesy goodness, and a satisfying pasta base, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or entertaining guests. Customize with extra toppings or proteins like chicken or shrimp for a personalized twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak, cooked and sliced (sirloin or ribeye recommended)
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups spinach (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cooked steak slices, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes to warm and season the steak.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, honey, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine pasta, sautéed steak, spinach (optional), and the buffalo honey sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a crispy top.
- Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- To adjust the spice level, add more buffalo sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Substitute steak with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein.
- Use penne or rigatoni for the best pasta shape, but other shapes will work too.
- Feel free to mix in different cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- To reduce calories, use less cheese or substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta Bake
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
