Name: Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Pasta: 12 oz penne pasta Steak: 1 lb sirloin steak (thinly sliced) Seasoning: 1 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper to taste Sauce: 2 tbsp butter, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 cups milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp garlic powder Toppings: 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional), 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional for topping)

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The Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is the definition of crowd-pleaser comfort food: tender seared steak, perfectly cooked penne, and a cheesy sauce that’s devilishly smooth, with a sweetness and tang from honey buffalo sauce that’s impossible to resist. This dish balances just the right amount of heat and creaminess, marrying rich flavors with fun pasta for a hearty, soul-warming bake that looks as impressive bubbling from your oven as it tastes. If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that feels special but isn’t fussy, this is a guaranteed favorite.

Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is how a handful of familiar pantry staples transform into something so vibrant and layered. Each component matters, building the comfort, spice, and cheesy goodness you’ll crave again and again.

Penne Pasta: Its tube shape perfectly traps the creamy sauce and bits of steak for every dreamy bite.
Sirloin Steak (thinly sliced): Tender, lean, and quick to cook, sirloin gives the bake robust flavor and meaty texture.
Olive Oil: Helps achieve a gorgeous sear on the steak, locking in juices and adding a hint of sheen.
Salt and Pepper: The simplest way to amplify every other ingredient’s flavor.
Butter: Starts off the cheese sauce with signature richness and silkiness.
Garlic (minced): Brings irresistible aromatics and a savory base to the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Used for the roux, it thickens the sauce to the ideal consistency.
Milk: Balances out the richness and creates a smooth, pourable sauce.
Heavy Cream: Doubles down on the creaminess and makes the sauce decadently lush.
Buffalo Sauce: The zippy heart of the bake, providing spicy kick and tang.
Honey: A drizzle of honey balances the spicy buffalo sauce with sweet complexity.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy, and oozy — a pasta bake essential for the cheese pull.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the bake a punchy, deeply savory finish.
Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a pop of color to the sauce.
Onion Powder: Rounds out the other flavors in the cheese mixture.
Garlic Powder: Doubles up the savory notes for greater depth.
Chopped Green Onions (optional): Sprinkle over the finished bake for a fresh, bright bite.
Crumbled Blue Cheese (optional): If you love classic buffalo flavor, don’t skip the funky, tangy blue cheese on top!

How to Make Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While your oven comes to temperature, get a big pot of salted water boiling and cook the penne until just al dente. It’s key not to overcook the pasta because it’ll keep cooking as it bakes, and you want it to hold some bite. Drain, set aside, and get ready for steak magic!

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the thinly sliced sirloin and don’t crowd the pan; you want a fiercely caramelized crust. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, then remove the steak from the pan and set aside — you’ll be rewarded with juicy, perfectly-cooked slices in every bite of your Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake.

Step 3: Make the Cheesy Buffalo Sauce

In the same skillet, turn the heat to medium and melt the butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute — just until fragrant. Sprinkle over the flour and whisk for another minute to form a roux; this is where your sauce will start thickening beautifully. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, taking your time to keep things super smooth. Bring it up until slightly thickened, then stir in the buffalo sauce, honey, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. The sauce will turn a fiery, irresistible hue and start to smell absolutely heavenly.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses

Temperatures down a bit, now stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Keep mixing until everything melts into one silky, stretchy, faintly smoky sauce. This is where all the magic happens — it’s creamy, tangy, spicy, rich, and just begging for pasta.

Step 5: Combine and Assemble

Bring a large mixing bowl or directly use your baking dish: add the drained pasta, seared steak slices, and pour over all that luscious cheese sauce. Give everything a thorough mix so every nook, cranny, and pasta tube gets coated. If you want a little extra indulgence, sprinkle the top with a handful more mozzarella, cheddar, and even crumbled blue cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Bubbling Perfection

Slide your assembled Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake into the oven and let it bake for 15–20 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling edges, a golden cheesy top, and that unmistakable scent of comfort food filling your kitchen. Once bubbly and slightly golden, remove from the oven, scatter over chopped green onions if you like, and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving so every portion comes out beautifully set and oh-so-creamy.

How to Serve Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake

Garnishes

This dish sings with a flurry of fresh green onions for crunch and color, plus crumbled blue cheese for anyone who adores classic buffalo flavor combos. Both add a punchy lift and contrast to the rich, spicy sauce. Don’t be afraid to set out extra garnishes at the table — beauty is in the eye of the eater!

Side Dishes

Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake shines as the centerpiece of your table, so simpler sides work best. Think a crisp caesar salad, classic garlic bread, or even roasted broccoli. Their freshness will complement the creamy bake and keep your tastebuds from feeling overwhelmed.

Creative Ways to Present

If you really want to dazzle, bake the pasta in individual ramekins and serve restaurant-style, or spoon hearty portions into bread bowls for a crowd-pleasing twist. For game days or parties, consider slicing into bite-sized squares for a bold, spicy finger food option!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake completely before covering and refrigerating. Stored in an airtight container, it will stay delicious for up to 3–4 days. The flavors mingle and deepen, making leftovers a lunchtime jackpot.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze portions of your pasta bake. Let it cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If you know you’ll be freezing, hold off on garnishing with green onions or blue cheese until after reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a covered baking dish at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 20–25 minutes. For quicker meals, microwaving individual servings works just fine. Add a splash of milk or cream if needed to keep everything smooth and luscious as it warms up.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to one day ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time since the dish will be chilled.

What’s the best steak to use?

Sirloin is our top pick for its tenderness and rich flavor, but any quick-cooking, tender cut like ribeye or strip steak will work. Just slice it thinly against the grain for easy, fork-tender bites.

Is there a way to make it less spicy?

Of course! Reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and taste as you go. If you want more sweetness to balance the heat, simply add a bit more honey. You can also swap in a milder buffalo sauce if you’re sensitive to spice.

Can I swap the steak for chicken?

Absolutely. Leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even shredded poached chicken are all wonderful substitutions. This adaptation keeps the dish hearty and satisfying, while cutting down on prep time.

Do I have to use blue cheese?

Not at all! Blue cheese is classic with buffalo flavors, but if it’s not your cup of tea, just leave it out or try a sprinkle of extra cheddar or feta cheese for a milder twist.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake never fails to impress or to satisfy those hungry for both comfort and a little heat. It’s full of flavor, endlessly customizable, and just downright fun to share. If you’re looking for a new family favorite, it’s time to grab your pan and dive into the most irresistible pasta bake around!

Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake. Tender steak slices, pasta, and a rich, cheesy buffalo sauce come together in a delicious baked dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Pasta:

12 oz penne pasta

Steak:

1 lb sirloin steak (thinly sliced)

Seasoning:

1 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper to taste

Sauce:

2 tbsp butter, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 cups milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Toppings:

1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional), 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Cook pasta: Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Sear steak: Sear the steak slices in olive oil until browned, season, and set aside.
Make sauce: Sauté garlic, whisk in flour, add milk and cream, buffalo sauce, honey, spices, cheeses, and mix.
Combine: Mix pasta, steak, and sauce in a baking dish. Top with extra cheese.
Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve: Garnish with green onions if desired.