Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *creamy honey buffalo steak pasta bake*! It’s a dish that’s not just a meal, it’s an experience! Imagine the perfect harmony of spicy buffalo sauce, sweet honey, and tender steak all wrapped up in cheesy, comforting pasta. Seriously, every bite is pure indulgence. I remember the first time I made this for a dinner party, and the room was filled with that mouthwatering aroma—everyone was practically drooling! The combination of flavors is simply irresistible, and I just can’t get enough of how the heat from the buffalo sauce plays off the sweetness of the honey. Trust me, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your *creamy honey buffalo steak pasta bake*. I promise you won’t need anything fancy—just good quality stuff for the best flavor!
- 8 oz penne pasta: This is the perfect shape to hold onto all that delicious sauce!
- 1 lb steak, sliced: I love using a tender cut like sirloin for that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- 1 cup buffalo sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!
- 1/2 cup honey: This adds a lovely sweetness that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is the secret to making it ultra creamy and dreamy!
- 2 cups shredded cheese: Go for a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for that perfect cheesy topping.
- 1/2 cup diced green onions: These add a fresh crunch and a pop of color to your dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t skip these; they enhance all the flavors beautifully!
How to Prepare Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake
Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the dish cook evenly, ensuring that all those flavors meld together perfectly. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Cook the Pasta
While the oven is warming up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in your penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions—usually about 8-10 minutes for that ideal al dente texture. You want it to have a little bite since it’ll continue cooking in the oven later! Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Steak
Now, let’s get to the steak! In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sliced steak until it’s nicely browned—about 4-5 minutes should do the trick. Make sure to give it a little space in the pan; you want that beautiful sear! If you crowd the pan, it steams instead of browns, and we don’t want that. Season it with salt and pepper for that extra flavor boost.
Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the buffalo sauce and honey. This is where the magic happens! The spicy buffalo sauce combined with the sweetness of the honey creates a mouthwatering sauce that’ll coat everything beautifully. It’s a flavor explosion that you’ll love!
Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring it all together! In the skillet with the steak, pour in the heavy cream and stir in that delicious buffalo sauce mixture. Then, gently fold in the cooked penne pasta, ensuring everything is well coated. The creamy sauce should be enveloping every piece of pasta and steak—yum!
Bake
Transfer the pasta and steak mixture into a baking dish, and sprinkle that glorious shredded cheese and diced green onions on top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen is filled with that irresistible aroma—get ready to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and sweet honey creates a flavor profile that’s both exciting and comforting!
- Cheesy Goodness: With a gooey cheese topping, every bite melts in your mouth—pure satisfaction!
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- One-Pan Wonder: With just a few simple steps, you can have a complete meal that’s tasty and hearty, all baked in one dish!
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste—it’s super versatile!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a get-together with friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
- Leftover Friendly: It tastes just as good (if not better!) the next day, making it a perfect dish for meal prep.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *creamy honey buffalo steak pasta bake* turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, aim for al dente when boiling. This ensures it doesn’t get mushy in the final bake!
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The better the steak and sauce you use, the better your dish will taste. I recommend a nice cut of steak and a buffalo sauce that you love!
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less buffalo sauce. You can always add more later, but you can’t take it out once it’s in there!
- Mix Thoroughly: When combining the pasta and sauce, make sure everything is well coated. This ensures that each bite is full of flavor!
- Use Fresh Green Onions: Don’t skip the green onions! They add a fresh crunch that beautifully complements the creamy, spicy flavors.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up nicely and makes serving easier!
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Add some crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat or a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh touch.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of your *creamy honey buffalo steak pasta bake*. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose and their quantities, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
These numbers reflect a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite knowing you’ve got a delicious dish packed with flavor and nutrition!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love using penne for this *creamy honey buffalo steak pasta bake*, you can easily swap it out for other pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or even fusilli. Just keep in mind that different shapes may impact how well the sauce clings to the pasta, but they’ll all be delicious!
How can I make this dish less spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, there are several ways to tone down the heat. First, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and add more honey to balance it out. You might also consider choosing a milder buffalo sauce or mixing in some ranch dressing for a creamy touch. Trust me, it’ll still be full of flavor without being overwhelmingly spicy!
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can! This dish is actually great for prepping ahead of time. You can assemble everything up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. If you want to make it even earlier, consider freezing it—just be sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking!
What sides pair well with this dish?
This *creamy honey buffalo steak pasta bake* is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, I recommend serving it with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread. A crunchy coleslaw can also be a nice contrast to the creamy pasta. Just something light to balance all that cheesy goodness!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! If you have leftovers (which might be hard to believe because it’s so good!), let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, just thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm it up in the oven or microwave. It’ll be almost as good as the first time!
Print
Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake: 7 Spicy Cheesy Delights
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy honey buffalo steak pasta bake with a spicy, cheesy flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb steak, sliced
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup diced green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, cook the sliced steak until browned.
- Mix buffalo sauce and honey in a bowl.
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet with steak and stir in the buffalo sauce mixture.
- Combine cooked pasta and steak mixture in a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese and green onions.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of buffalo sauce.
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: creamy honey buffalo steak pasta bake spicy cheesy irresistible