Looking for an irresistible weeknight dinner that feels like a backyard BBQ and cozy pasta night all in one? Meet your new go-to comfort dish: One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta. Picture tender, juicy steak mingling with smoky barbecue sauce, sweet honey, and creamy cheddar all swirled together with hearty penne—best of all, you only need one pot to bring this flavor-packed meal to life. This recipe is a favorite for both busy families and anyone who loves elevating steak night with a little creative flair and minimal clean-up.

One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta relies on everyday staples that create big, bold flavors with little fuss. Each ingredient plays its part—giving you that signature smokiness, creamy richness, and an irresistibly saucy finish even picky eaters will adore.

Olive oil: Helps sear the steak and adds a silky base for the veggies and sauce.
Sirloin steak: Offers tender, meaty bites that soak up all the barbecue goodness—ribeye or strip steak work too.
Onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth of flavor, balancing smoky and savory notes.
Garlic: A must for a fragrant, irresistible foundation.
Beef broth: Adds savory depth and helps cook the pasta right in the pot for extra flavor-infused noodles.
Barbecue sauce (smoky or hickory style): Delivers that signature smoky tang—choose your favorite for customized flavor.
Honey: Offers a subtle touch of sweetness that makes the BBQ flavors sing.
Smoked paprika: Amplifies the smoky notes and gives everything a gorgeous, warm color.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to balance the creamy and sweet flavors.
Penne pasta (uncooked): Perfect for catching every drop of the sauce—use gluten-free if needed.
Heavy cream: Melds all the flavors together with a velvety finish.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Turns the sauce ultra-creamy and delivers comforting, cheesy richness.
Chopped parsley (optional): Brightens the whole dish right before serving—totally optional but highly recommended for a pop of color.

How to Make One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high. Add in your sirloin steak pieces, letting them sizzle undisturbed for two to three minutes per side. The goal is a deep golden crust, but don’t cook these beauties all the way through—just a quick sear to lock in those savory juices. Once browned, scoop them out and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same pot, toss in your diced onion. Stir for a few minutes, just until the onion mellows out and turns translucent. Add garlic and let its aroma bloom in the pan for about 30 seconds. This step lays down a sweet and savory base for your smoky sauce to shine.

Step 3: Build the Sauce and Cook the Pasta

Pour in the beef broth, barbecue sauce, honey, smoked paprika, black pepper, and penne pasta. Stir it all together—don’t be shy. Crank up the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to medium-low, pop on the lid, and let it simmer. Keep an eye (and a spoon) on the pot, giving it a stir occasionally. In about 12–14 minutes, your pasta will be tender and the sauce should thicken up nicely.

Step 4: Return the Steak

Slide the seared steak (and any juices) back into the pot. Give it a good stir, then let the meat finish cooking for another two to three minutes. This ensures the steak stays tender but soaks up every drop of that smoky, honey-sweet barbecue flavor.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted into silky ribbons and the whole mix is glossy and creamy. Remove your pot from the heat, let it rest for about five minutes—trust me, this quick pause gives the sauce time to thicken and cling to every bite of pasta.

How to Serve One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

Garnishes

Finish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for color and a burst of freshness. If you like a little extra zing, try a crack of black pepper or a dusting of smoked paprika right on top. A scattering of extra cheese never hurts either!

Side Dishes

One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta is a complete meal, but a leafy green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette brings brightness to your table. Crusty garlic bread or warm rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that luscious sauce. And if you’re feeling ambitious, roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli make classic vegetable sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For weeknight simplicity, serve straight from the pot at the table—family style! Hosting dinner? Ladle the pasta onto a large platter, arrange steak pieces on top, and finish with extra parsley and a drizzle of barbecue sauce for a restaurant-worthy look. You can even scoop individual servings into cute little bowls for a cozy, picnic-inspired vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a delicious next-day lunch or quick family dinner.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. For best texture, thaw in the fridge overnight—while the steak stays tender, the pasta may soften a little, but the sauce remains just as flavorful.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. Stir often for even heating and avoid overcooking to keep the steak juicy and the sauce saucy.

FAQs

Can I make One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and be sure to double-check that your barbecue sauce is gluten-free as well. The result will be just as creamy and irresistible.

Can I use a different cut of steak?

You sure can. Ribeye and strip steak both work beautifully and add extra richness. Just keep an eye on cooking times; leaner cuts may need a touch less time to avoid drying out.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?

Definitely! Prepare it as directed, then reheat gently before serving. For freshest results, finish with cream and cheddar right before you’re ready to serve so the sauce stays velvety.

Is there a way to make it spicier?

Absolutely—stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the smoked paprika for a little kick. You can also drizzle your favorite hot sauce on at the table for those who like things spicy.

What’s the best barbecue sauce for this recipe?

A smoky or hickory-style barbecue sauce really amplifies the signature flavor of One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta, but feel free to experiment with your favorite local brand or homemade blend for a personal touch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something heartwarming about sharing a big bowl of One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta with your favorite people. Whether it’s a laid-back weeknight or a celebratory weekend dinner, this dish brings backyard BBQ flair right to your table—no grill required. Give it a try, and it might just earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!

One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender steak, smoky barbecue sauce, and creamy cheese sauce with pasta, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta:

1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups beef broth
1 cup barbecue sauce (smoky or hickory style)
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add steak pieces and sear until browned but not fully cooked. Set aside.
Add onion to the pot and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, then add beef broth, barbecue sauce, honey, smoked paprika, black pepper, and pasta. Bring to a boil, then simmer until pasta is al dente.
Return steak to the pot, cook briefly, then stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until creamy. Let it rest before serving. Garnish with parsley.