Oh, let me tell you about my Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake! This dish is a wild ride of flavors that’ll have your taste buds dancing! Imagine tender steak slices swimming in a creamy, spicy buffalo sauce with a hint of sweetness from honey, all wrapped around perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s all about that cheesy goodness too—melted cheddar and mozzarella on top, creating that irresistible golden crust that just begs you to dive in! I stumbled upon this concoction one rainy evening when I needed a pick-me-up, and wow, did it deliver! Every bite is a delicious explosion, and it’s so easy to whip up! Trust me, whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a fun gathering with friends, this pasta bake will steal the show and leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients List

Alright, here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, spicy, and oh-so-cheesy pasta bake. Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to flavor town!

8 oz penne pasta – the perfect shape to hold all that creamy goodness
1 lb steak, sliced – I love using a tender cut for the best texture!
1 cup buffalo sauce – adjust this to crank up the spice level if you’re feeling bold!
1/2 cup honey – it balances out that heat beautifully
1 cup cream cheese – the secret to that luscious creaminess
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – because, let’s be honest, cheese makes everything better
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese – for that gooey, melty top layer
1/2 tsp garlic powder – adding that aromatic flavor kick
1/2 tsp onion powder – it just enhances the overall deliciousness
Salt and pepper to taste – don’t forget to season your dish!

Once you have everything ready, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to pull this dish together. Let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Instructions

Preheat and Cook Pasta

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for getting that golden cheesy crust we all love! While that’s happening, grab a pot and fill it with water. Bring it to a boil and toss in your 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—this usually takes about 10-12 minutes. You want it firm enough to hold up in the bake, so don’t overdo it! Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Prepare the Steak Mixture

Now for the star of the show—the steak! In a large pan over medium-high heat, cook your 1 lb of sliced steak until it’s nicely browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes; you want that beautiful sear! Once the steak is cooked, lower the heat and add in your 1 cup of buffalo sauce, 1/2 cup of honey, and 1 cup of cream cheese. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and onion powder, plus some salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until it’s creamy and well-combined. Oh, the smell is going to be amazing!

Combine and Bake

Time to bring it all together! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta and the creamy steak mixture. Make sure every piece of pasta is coated in that luscious sauce! Then, transfer this deliciousness into a baking dish. Top it off with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese—don’t be shy with that cheese! Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Trust me, you’ll want to let it cool for a few minutes before diving in, but I know it’ll be hard to resist the aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation—perfect for weeknight dinners!
Spicy and cheesy flavors that create a delightful balance of heat and sweetness.
One-dish wonder—fewer dishes to clean up after enjoying this delicious meal!
Customizable with your favorite veggies or protein substitutions.
Irresistible melted cheese topping that adds comfort and indulgence.
A crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.
Leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your creamy honey buffalo steak pasta bake turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my favorite tips that I’ve learned along the way:

Timing is Everything: Keep an eye on your pasta while it’s cooking! Al dente is the way to go since it’ll soak up the sauce beautifully without turning mushy in the oven.
Choose Your Steak Wisely: I recommend using a tender cut like ribeye or sirloin. If you’re in a pinch, you can even swap in ground beef or chicken—just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Spice It Up: If you love a kick, don’t be shy with the buffalo sauce! Start with a cup, and if you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash more to heat things up. You can always serve extra on the side for dipping!
Add Some Veggies: Feel free to mix in some chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even broccoli for a pop of color and extra nutrition. Just sauté them briefly before adding to the steak mixture.
Cheese, Please! For that ultimate cheesy experience, try mixing in different cheeses! Gouda or pepper jack can add a fun twist to the flavor profile.
Don’t Overbake: Watch your bake closely during the last few minutes. You want that cheese bubbly and golden, but keep in mind it can go from perfect to overdone in a flash!
Let It Rest: Once out of the oven, give your bake a few minutes to cool and set. This makes serving easier and allows those cheesy layers to become even more delightful.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a mouthwatering dish that everyone will rave about. Enjoy the cooking adventure!

Nutritional Information Section

Now, let’s talk nutrition! This Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake packs a punch in flavor, but it’s also good to know what you’re getting in each serving. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving (about 1 cup):

Calories: 600
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 35g

Keep in mind these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so it’s always a good idea to double-check if you’re tracking your intake closely. But hey, with all that creamy, spicy deliciousness, it’s definitely worth every bite! Enjoy your pasta bake, and savor the flavors!

FAQ Section

Can I make this creamy honey buffalo steak pasta bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes, you can easily substitute the steak with chicken! Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the sauce. Shredded rotisserie chicken works great too for a quicker option!

What if I don’t have buffalo sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have buffalo sauce on hand, you can use a mix of hot sauce and melted butter for a similar flavor. Just adjust the ratio to your heat preference!

How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can vary based on how much buffalo sauce you use. It’s got a nice kick, but if you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to start with less buffalo sauce and add more to taste. Balance it out with the honey for that sweet-spicy harmony!

Can I add vegetables to this bake?
Definitely! Adding veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms can enhance the flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them briefly before mixing them in with the steak and sauce for the best results!

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will keep that cheesy texture intact!

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free penne pasta, this creamy honey buffalo steak pasta bake can be a delightful gluten-free option! Just double-check your buffalo sauce as some brands may contain gluten.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about how to keep that delicious Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake fresh and ready for round two! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a big if, because it’s so good!), here’s how to store them:

Storing Leftovers: Allow the pasta bake to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can also cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Option: If you want to save it for a later date, you can freeze the pasta bake! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. Just make sure to label it, so you don’t forget what deliciousness is waiting for you!

Now, when it comes to reheating, you’ll want to keep that cheesy goodness intact:

Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through and bubbly. This method really helps preserve that creamy texture!
Microwave Method: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions. Just place them in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot. But keep in mind, it might not have the same crispy top!

With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your creamy, cheesy pasta bake for days! Enjoy every flavorful bite, my friend!

Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake: 7 Irresistible Tips

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy honey buffalo steak pasta bake is a spicy and cheesy dish that is irresistible.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
In a pan, cook the sliced steak until browned.
Add buffalo sauce, honey, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the pan.
Mix well until the sauce is creamy.
Combine the cooked pasta with the steak mixture.
Transfer to a baking dish.
Top with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by using more or less buffalo sauce.
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
Can substitute steak with chicken if preferred.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 600
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: creamy honey buffalo steak pasta bake, spicy cheesy pasta, irresistible pasta dish

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