When it comes to hearty, satisfying meals, Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is a recipe that hits all the right notes. The combination of tender steak, zesty buffalo sauce, and a rich, creamy texture makes this pasta bake a family favorite that will leave everyone coming back for seconds. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of time in the oven, you can create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for dinner any day of the week. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something indulgent, this recipe is a surefire winner.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake
Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is a perfect fusion of flavors—sweet honey balances the fiery buffalo sauce while the rich creaminess of the heavy cream ties everything together. The steak adds depth and protein, making this dish filling and satisfying. With a cheesy, golden topping and a touch of spinach, it also gives a good balance of freshness. It’s a one-pan meal that’s sure to impress, with minimal prep and a flavor explosion that’s perfect for any occasion. If you love buffalo wings and creamy pasta dishes, this recipe brings them together in a way that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients for Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake
To create the perfect Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
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1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye works best, cooked and sliced)
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12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
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1 cup buffalo sauce (use your favorite brand)
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½ cup honey (balances the heat of the buffalo sauce)
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1 cup heavy cream (for that rich and creamy texture)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (adds the perfect melt and flavor)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (a must for that cheesy, crispy topping)
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2 cups spinach (optional, for added greens and freshness)
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2 tbsp olive oil (to sauté the spinach)
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1 tsp garlic powder (for seasoning the spinach)
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Salt and pepper (to taste, for seasoning)
Optional Add-ins:
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Crispy bacon – adds a smoky crunch to the dish
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Blue cheese crumbles – for a tangy, bold flavor
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Mushrooms – to enhance the umami profile of the dish
These ingredients come together to create a comforting dish with a combination of heat, sweetness, and rich creaminess that is truly unique.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta according to the package instructions. Penne or rigatoni are great choices as they hold the sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the buffalo sauce, honey, and heavy cream. Heat the mixture over medium heat and stir occasionally until everything is well combined. The honey will help mellow out the heat from the buffalo sauce, creating a perfectly balanced sauce that is both spicy and creamy. Once it’s heated through and smooth, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Spinach
In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until it has wilted down. This should only take about 2-3 minutes. Once the spinach is cooked, season it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. The spinach will add a nice freshness and a touch of green to your dish, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the buffalo sauce mixture, the cooked steak (sliced into strips), and the sautéed spinach. Add both the shredded cheddar cheese and the Parmesan cheese, mixing everything together until well-coated. The cheese will start to melt and create a luscious, creamy coating on the pasta and steak.
Step 5: Transfer to a Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. For the ultimate cheesy finish, sprinkle a little extra cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese on top. This will help form a golden, bubbly crust when baked.
Step 6: Bake the Pasta
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. The cheese should be melted and slightly crispy on top, creating a perfect contrast to the creamy interior.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the pasta to bake to cool slightly before serving. This dish is best served warm, with a nice garnish of fresh herbs, if desired. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Tips for the Best Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake
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Choose the Right Steak: While sirloin and ribeye are great options, you can use other cuts of steak depending on your preference and budget. Just make sure to cook the steak to your desired doneness before slicing it thinly for the pasta bake.
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Customize Your Sauce: If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add more buffalo sauce or even a few dashes of hot sauce to your sauce mixture. Adjust the honey if you’d like a sweeter result, and feel free to add more cream for extra richness.
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Make It a Complete Meal: Add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to the mix for an added burst of flavor and texture. Mushrooms pair particularly well with steak and will enhance the umami flavor of the dish.
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Leftovers: This pasta bake is perfect for leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
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Crispy Bacon: If you’re a bacon lover, adding crispy bacon bits on top or mixing it into the pasta before baking will elevate the flavor profile with a savory, smoky crunch.
Nutritional Information
One serving of Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake contains approximately:
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Calories: 550
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Protein: 30g
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Carbohydrates: 40g
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Fat: 30g
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Fiber: 3g
The richness of this dish comes from the heavy cream and cheese, making it a filling and indulgent meal. You can make this dish lighter by using reduced-fat cream cheese, and low-fat cheese, or substituting the cream for a lighter option like half-and-half.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you love Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake, here are some other flavorful pasta dishes you might enjoy:
Each of these recipes brings a unique twist to pasta, offering rich, creamy flavors that pair perfectly with the boldness of Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake.
FAQs About Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish, then cover it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply pop it into the oven when you’re ready to serve. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time since it’s chilled.
Q: Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Absolutely! If you prefer chicken, you can substitute the steak with grilled or rotisserie chicken. It will still pair wonderfully with the buffalo sauce and creamy pasta base.
Q: Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta to make this dish gluten-free. Check the labels on the buffalo sauce and other ingredients to ensure they don’t contain gluten.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love extra heat, add more buffalo sauce or even include a few dashes of hot sauce into the mix. You can also top the dish with sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an added kick.
Q: Can I freeze Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake?
Yes! This pasta bake freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. When you’re ready to enjoy it, reheat in the oven at 350°F until fully heated through.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is a delicious and satisfying dish that will elevate your weeknight dinners or impress guests at a special occasion. The rich and spicy buffalo sauce, creamy texture, and tender steak come together in a perfect balance of flavors, making this a comfort food classic with a twist. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and cheesy goodness.
So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a plate of irresistible comfort food that’s packed with flavor and sure to be a hit at your next meal!
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Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake: A Flavorful Dish
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy honey buffalo steak pasta bake combines rich buffalo sauce, tender steak, and gooey cheese, creating the ultimate comfort food. Baked to perfection, it’s an irresistible dinner option that balances spice and creaminess with every bite.
Ingredients
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1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye, cooked and sliced)
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12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
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1 cup buffalo sauce
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½ cup honey
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cups spinach (optional, for added greens)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional Add-ins: Crispy bacon, blue cheese crumbles, mushrooms
Instructions
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Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare Sauce: In a saucepan, combine buffalo sauce, honey, and heavy cream. Stir over medium heat until well combined.
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Sauté Spinach: Heat olive oil in a pan. Add spinach, cooking until wilted. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Combine: Toss the cooked pasta with the buffalo sauce, sliced steak, spinach, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan. Mix well.
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Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with extra cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
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Serve: Let cool slightly before serving for a perfect creamy, cheesy experience.
Notes
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For extra flavor, add crispy bacon or blue cheese crumbles.
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To make it vegetarian, replace steak with mushrooms and sautéed veggies.
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For added texture, consider topping with breadcrumbs before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of the dish)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 100mg