One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta

One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta is a bold, comforting dish packed with savory, smoky, and sweet flavors—all made in a single pan. I sear tender steak strips and simmer them with pasta in a smoky honey BBQ sauce that clings to every bite. It’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for weeknights when I want big flavor with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it blends the smoky sweetness of BBQ with the richness of seared steak and the creamy texture of pasta. The fact that it all cooks in one pot makes it incredibly convenient. There’s no need to juggle multiple pans or drain pasta separately—it all comes together smoothly and quickly, with deep, layered flavor in every forkful.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak), thinly sliced

• Olive oil or butter

• Onion, chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Smoked paprika

• Chili powder

• Salt and pepper

• Uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work well)

• Beef broth or water

• Honey

• BBQ sauce (smoky or hickory-style)

• Heavy cream (optional for creaminess)

• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)

• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Directions

1. I heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2. I season the steak with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder, then sear the slices until browned. I remove the steak and set it aside.

3. In the same pot, I add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.

4. I stir in the uncooked pasta, beef broth, honey, and BBQ sauce, bringing the mixture to a boil.

5. I reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

6. I stir the cooked steak back into the pot and add a splash of cream if I want it extra rich.

7. I mix in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.

8. I finish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 20–25 minutes to cook, so it’s on the table in under 40 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add bell peppers or corn for a Southwest-style touch. If I want it spicy, I use a chipotle BBQ sauce or add cayenne pepper. For a smoky bacon twist, I start by cooking chopped bacon and use the drippings to sear the steak. I’ve also swapped the steak for grilled chicken or sausage when that’s what I have on hand.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of broth or cream and microwave or warm it on the stovetop over low heat. It also freezes well, though the pasta may soften slightly after thawing.

FAQs

What kind of steak works best?

I like using tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or flank. I slice them thin so they cook quickly and stay juicy.

Can I make it without cream?

Yes, I can skip the cream if I prefer a lighter, more BBQ-forward flavor. The dish is still rich and saucy without it.

Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

Not for this version. Cooking the pasta in the sauce is key to the one-pot method and helps build flavor.

How do I make it spicier?

I add crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or use a spicy BBQ sauce for extra kick.

Can I use chicken instead of steak?

Absolutely. I cook the chicken the same way—seasoned and seared—then add it back in at the end.

Conclusion

One-Pot Smoky Honey BBQ Steak Pasta is the kind of meal I turn to when I want something hearty, flavorful, and low-effort. It brings the bold, smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce together with tender steak and creamy pasta, all in one pan. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is always a winner.