Description
This Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake combines tender sliced steak with a rich, spicy buffalo cream sauce, balanced by the sweetness of honey and topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this hearty pasta dish offers a delightful mix of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat
- 250 g pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 300 g steak (sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Steak: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Season the thinly sliced steak with salt and pepper, then add to the pan. Cook until browned on all sides, then remove the steak and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce: In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then add heavy cream, buffalo sauce, honey, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add Sour Cream and Cheese: Stir in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts into the sauce creating a creamy texture.
- Combine Pasta and Steak: Add the cooked pasta and the browned steak slices back into the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and steak are evenly coated with the creamy buffalo sauce.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F). Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and has turned a golden brown color.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors!
Notes
- You can use any firm pasta shape like penne, rotini, or rigatoni for best results.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount or omit it based on your preferred spice level.
- Leftover pasta bake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream option.
- Make sure to thinly slice the steak for quicker cooking and better distribution throughout the pasta.
