Description
This Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake combines tender sirloin or ribeye steak slices with a spicy-sweet buffalo sauce, rich cream, and melted cheeses tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Baked to golden bubbly perfection, it’s a comforting and flavorful meal ideal for a hearty dinner that balances heat and creaminess.
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)
- ¼ cup sour cream
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Brown 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 the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the heavy cream, buffalo sauce, honey, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta: Stir in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the buffalo cream sauce.
- Assemble for Baking: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread the browned steak evenly on top, then sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese for a cheesy topping.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions for freshness. Serve the pasta bake hot, enjoying the creamy, spicy, and hearty flavors.
Notes
- Use sirloin or ribeye steak for the most tender and flavorful results.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity or omit it for milder heat.
- Ensure the pasta is not overcooked to maintain texture after baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- You can substitute buffalo sauce with your favorite hot sauce or wing sauce.
