This Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is everything you want in a weeknight meal: rich, comforting, and bursting with sweet, spicy, and savory goodness. Tender steak, al dente pasta, and a creamy honey-buffalo cheese sauce come together in one bubbling, golden-baked dish. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—great for family dinners, game nights, or when you just want something indulgent and satisfying.
💥 Why You’ll Love This Pasta Bake
- Big, Bold Flavors – Creamy cheese and sweet honey balance the spicy tang of buffalo sauce perfectly.
- Hearty & Filling – Made with juicy steak and baked pasta for a protein-packed comfort meal.
- Easy to Make – Minimal prep and one baking dish make it ideal for busy nights.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice, cheese, or protein to your liking.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Stores and reheats beautifully.
🛠️ What You’ll Need
Essential Tools:
- Large skillet (for cooking steak)
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
🧀 Ingredients
Main:
- 1 lb steak (cooked & sliced; sirloin or ribeye recommended)
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus ½ cup more for topping)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups spinach (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- Crispy bacon bits
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Sautéed mushrooms
🍳 How to Make It
1. Preheat & Cook Pasta
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
💡 Pro Tip: Slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t get mushy while baking.
2. Prepare the Steak
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add sliced steak, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes to warm and season.
💡 Cooking from raw? Sear steak 3–5 mins per side, let it rest, then slice.
3. Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup cheddar cheese
Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Bake
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine:
- Cooked pasta
- Seasoned steak
- Fresh spinach (if using)
- Buffalo-honey sauce
Mix everything until evenly coated.
5. Add Cheese & Bake
Top with remaining cheddar and all of the Parmesan.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
💡 For a crispy top, broil the last 2–3 minutes.
6. Let Rest & Serve
Let the pasta bake cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, or a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
🔄 Customization Ideas
- Less spicy? Use more honey or cream, less buffalo sauce.
- Different protein? Sub in grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Make it cheesier? Mix in gouda, Monterey Jack, or blue cheese crumbles.
- Add veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or roasted broccoli work great.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
Balance the richness of the pasta with these fresh or simple sides:
- Garlic Bread
- Caesar Salad
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Steamed Green Beans
- Cornbread
- Grilled Asparagus
- Creamy Coleslaw
- Mashed Potatoes
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overcooking the pasta
✅ Slightly undercook it before baking.
❌ Skipping the cheese topping
✅ That golden crust is everything—don’t skip it!
❌ Not seasoning the steak
✅ Use garlic powder, salt, and pepper to boost flavor.
❌ Not mixing the sauce well
✅ Whisk thoroughly for even flavor and texture.
❌ Serving too soon
✅ Let rest 5 mins to thicken and develop full flavor.
🧊 Storing & Reheating
To Store:
- In fridge: Airtight container, up to 4 days
- In freezer: Freeze in portions, up to 2 months
To Reheat:
- Stovetop: Add splash of cream or milk, heat over medium
- Microwave: Cover loosely, add liquid, heat in intervals
- Oven: 350°F covered with foil, 15–20 minutes
💡 Add extra cheese before reheating for a fresh, gooey top!
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make it less spicy?
Yes! Use less buffalo sauce and more honey or cream.
Q: What pasta is best?
Penne, rigatoni, or rotini—shapes that hold sauce well.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives.
Q: Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or tofu all work great.
Q: Is it gluten-free?
Not as written, but easily adaptable with GF pasta and sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is bold, comforting, and layered with irresistible flavor. Whether you love buffalo sauce or are just looking for a next-level pasta dinner, this dish delivers on all fronts—heat, sweet, and cheesy goodness in every bite.