One Pot Honey Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta Recipe Made Easy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich flavors, quick weeknight dinners, and minimal cleanup, this One Pot Honey Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta is about to be your new best friend. Imagine tender bites of juicy steak simmered in a heavenly honey garlic sauce, tossed with creamy Parmesan-coated pasta—all cooked in just one pot.

This recipe is the ultimate combination of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness. And the best part? It’s as simple as it is satisfying. You’ll only spend about 30 minutes from start to finish, and you don’t need a sink full of dirty dishes afterward.

Here’s why it’s a must-try:

One-pot cooking = fewer dishes!
Perfect for weeknights—cooks up in under 30 minutes.
Big flavor with pantry staples like honey, garlic, and Parmesan.
Kid-approved and fancy enough for guests.
Customizable—add veggies or use different cuts of meat.

Isn’t it amazing when comfort food and convenience come together in one dish?

Essential Tools and Equipment

You won’t need anything fancy to pull this together. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Large skillet or sauté pan (preferably 12-inch or wider with high sides)
Sharp knife and cutting board for prepping the steak and garlic
Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Colander (if pre-cooking pasta separately—which you won’t have to with this recipe)

Optional but helpful:

Tongs for flipping the steak pieces
Microplane or grater for fresh Parmesan cheese

Preparation Tips

Want to make this recipe even easier? These simple tips will save time and boost flavor:

Pre-cut your steak ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese—it melts better and has a richer flavor than the pre-shredded kind.
Let the steak come to room temperature (about 15–20 minutes out of the fridge) before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
Mince the garlic ahead and store it in an airtight container.
Use pre-cooked refrigerated pasta to cut down cook time, though uncooked pasta works just fine in this one-pot method.

Planning for guests? Double the recipe and keep it warm in a slow cooker until ready to serve.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need for this flavor-packed One Pot Honey Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta:

1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye work best), cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup honey
⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups beef broth
8 oz uncooked pasta (penne, bowtie, or rotini works great)
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp butter
Parsley for garnish (optional)

Note: For a gluten-free version, use tamari in place of soy sauce and gluten-free pasta.

Step-by-Step Directions

Ready to get cooking? Follow these easy steps to make your new favorite dinner.

Heat the skillet.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Cook the steak.
Add your bite-sized steak to the hot oil. Sear on all sides until browned and cooked to your desired doneness (medium is best for juicy, tender bites). Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
Make the honey garlic sauce.
In the same pan, lower heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil followed by minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds—until fragrant but not brown.
Combine liquids.
Stir in honey, soy sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, mixing well. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add pasta and broth.
Pour in the pasta and beef broth. Bring to a gentle boil and then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for about 12–14 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add cream and cheese.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Return the steak and finish.
Put the cooked steak back into the pan along with 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir gently until everything is well combined and heated through.
Garnish and serve.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot. Enjoy that cheesy, savory, sweet magic!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even easy recipes have small traps. Here’s how to dodge them:

Overcooking the steak. Sear it until just cooked—then set it aside early on. Overcooked steak turns dry and tough.
Boiling the garlic. Garlic burns quickly. Only sauté it for 30 seconds until fragrant. If it’s brown, it’s bitter.
Adding cheese too soon. Wait until the pasta is fully cooked. Adding cheese too early can result in clumping or a grainy sauce.
Using pre-shredded cheese. It contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Use fresh Parmesan for best results.

Best Side Dishes

Looking for the perfect dish to round out your meal? Try one of these delicious ideas:

Garlic Breadsticks: Because more garlic is always a win. Soft, buttery, and perfect for dipping in extra sauce.
Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Their crispness adds a nice contrast to the creamy dish. Bonus: they’re healthy!
Caesar Salad: The crunch and tang of this classic salad cut through the richness of the pasta beautifully.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Slightly sweet and nutty—yum! A great flavor complement to the honey garlic sauce.

Expert Recipe Tips

Want to take things up a notch? Here are some chef-worthy secrets:

Deglaze the pan with white wine before adding broth for an extra layer of flavor.
Use different proteins—chicken breasts, shrimp, or even tofu can be swapped in!
Sneak in spinach at the end for a hidden veggie boost.
Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil for a luxurious twist.
Don’t skip the butter at the end. It adds a silky finish and enhances the Parmesan.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Need to save leftovers? No problem.

Storage: Place cooled pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended due to the dairy content which may separate upon thawing.
Reheating: Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. For stovetop, reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to rehydrate the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, farfalle, rotini, or even fettuccine work well. Just adjust the liquid slightly if needed.

What kind of steak should I use?

Sirloin and ribeye are great choices. Flank steak also works—just slice thinly against the grain.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, but it’s mild overall. You can easily omit the flakes for a no-heat version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook, cool, and store. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can be used, though the sauce will be slightly less creamy. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a hearty, delicious meal that comes together in one pot—especially when it includes steak, pasta, and a luscious honey garlic sauce. This One Pot Honey Garlic Parmesan Steak Pasta is bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s quick, comforting, and bursting with flavor.

So go ahead—save this recipe, share it with a friend, or print it out and stick it on your fridge. Have you tried it yet? Let us know how it turned out for you in the comments!

Looking for more easy dinner ideas? Check out our easy Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta or 20-Minute Tuscan Shrimp Alfredo.

Happy cooking, and may every bite be better than the last! 🍝🥩🧄

—

Pin this recipe so you can have it handy the next time you’re craving cozy comfort food! 📌