Short Description

Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is a bold and comforting dish combining tender steak, pasta, and spinach in a rich, spicy-sweet buffalo cream sauce. Baked to perfection with a cheesy topping, it’s a satisfying meal that brings together heat, sweetness, and savory depth in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and Balanced Flavors: The heat of buffalo sauce is mellowed by honey and cream for a perfectly balanced bite.
Cheesy and Satisfying: Topped with cheddar and Parmesan, it delivers gooey, melty goodness in every forkful.
Great for Leftovers: Reheats well and makes a flavorful next-day meal.
Simple Yet Impressive: Easy to make but packed with complex flavors.
Customizable: Add your favorite greens, veggies, or cheese for a personalized twist.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb steak, cooked and sliced
12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
1 cup buffalo sauce
1/2 cup honey
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups spinach (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Steak:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cooked steak slices and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes to reheat and enhance flavor.
Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together buffalo sauce, honey, heavy cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
Assemble the Bake:
In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed steak, spinach (if using), and buffalo cream sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Add Cheese and Bake:
Top the mixture with the remaining cheddar cheese and all of the grated Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve:
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 550 per serving

Variations

Spicier Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use extra hot buffalo sauce.
Milder Version: Reduce buffalo sauce and increase honey or cream.
Add Vegetables: Include sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.
Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blue cheese crumble topping.
Protein Swap: Use grilled chicken or shrimp in place of steak.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze individual portions or the entire casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions until hot, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

What type of steak works best?

Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak work well. Leftover grilled steak is also great.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of steak?

Yes, chicken is a delicious and convenient substitute.

How spicy is this dish?

The buffalo sauce adds moderate heat, balanced by honey and cream. Adjust to taste.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

What’s a good side for this pasta bake?

A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this dish.

Is spinach necessary?

No, it’s optional, but it adds color and a nutritional boost.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, any short pasta like ziti, rotini, or farfalle will work.

Does this freeze well?

Yes, freeze fully baked and cooled portions for convenient reheating.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your buffalo sauce and cheeses are gluten-free.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Avoid high heat when mixing the sauce and do not boil the cream. Stir gently and bake at a moderate temperature.

Conclusion

Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake brings together bold flavor and comforting texture in one irresistible casserole. With its spicy-sweet sauce, tender steak, and cheesy baked finish, this dish is sure to become a favorite for cozy dinners, game day gatherings, or any night you want a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake is a bold and comforting dish that combines tender steak slices, al dente pasta, and a sweet-spicy buffalo cream sauce. Finished with melty cheddar and Parmesan cheese, it’s the perfect baked pasta recipe for spice lovers who crave creamy, cheesy comfort food with a twist.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Steak: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced cooked steak, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes.
Mix Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, honey, heavy cream, and half the cheddar cheese.
Assemble Casserole: In a large baking dish, combine pasta, steak mixture, spinach (if using), and sauce. Mix until evenly coated.
Add Cheese & Bake: Top with remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Adjust buffalo sauce and honey for desired heat and sweetness.
Substitute chicken or meatless steak for variations.
Add blue cheese crumbles for an extra tangy finish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American