Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is an exciting twist on classic steak and pasta dishes. The sweet heat from the chili flakes and honey perfectly complements the savory steak and garlicky sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s big on flavor and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. The best part? You get to enjoy a comforting, filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) steak (such as flank steak or ribeye)

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti or your preferred type)

  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp honey

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)

  • 1 tsp ground black pepper

  • Salt to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Steak: Season the steak generously with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips against the grain.

  2. Cook the Pasta: While the steak is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta cooking water for later.

  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the steak, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Over medium heat, sauté the garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add honey, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

  4. Combine the Pasta and Steak: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta to coat it well in the sauce, adding a little of the reserved pasta water to create a smooth consistency. Stir in the sliced steak and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

  5. Serve: Garnish the pasta with fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the steak with grilled mushrooms or tofu to create a vegetarian version of this dish.

  • Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, incorporate sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini into the pasta.

  • Spicy Kick: If you love extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some chopped fresh chilies to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, covered, in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

1. What type of steak works best for this recipe?

Flank steak, ribeye, or sirloin are great choices for this recipe because they cook quickly and offer a great balance of flavor and tenderness.

2. Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes! You can substitute spaghetti with any pasta shape you prefer, like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni.

3. Can I make the sauce spicier?

Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped chili peppers.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should be naturally gluten-free, but check labels for soy sauce or other packaged items.

5. Can I prepare the steak ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the steak ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it when you’re ready to assemble the dish.

6. Can I substitute honey with something else?

If you prefer, you can use maple syrup or agave syrup as a substitute for honey in this recipe.

7. Can I add cheese to this pasta?

Absolutely! A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano would make a great addition to this dish.

8. How can I make the steak more tender?

For a more tender steak, consider marinating it before cooking with a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, and a touch of garlic or vinegar. Let it marinate for at least an hour before cooking.

9. Can I add more garlic to the sauce?

If you love garlic, feel free to increase the garlic to your taste. You can add up to 6 cloves for a more intense flavor.

10. Can I make this dish without soy sauce?

Yes, you can omit the soy sauce if you prefer. You could substitute with a little balsamic vinegar or a low-sodium tamari sauce for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is a deliciously flavorful meal that combines tender steak, spicy heat, and a touch of sweetness in a rich garlic sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its versatility and bold flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

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  • Author: Mia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta combines the bold flavors of steak, the richness of garlic, and the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. It’s an easy, quick, and hearty dish ideal for any dinner.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) steak (flank steak or ribeye)

12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti or your preferred type)

3 tbsp olive oil, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp honey

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)

1 tsp ground black pepper

Salt to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the steak generously with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
  2. While the steak is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta cooking water.
  3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add honey, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat well in the sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water for a smooth consistency. Stir in the sliced steak and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Garnish the pasta with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  1. For a vegetarian option, replace the steak with grilled mushrooms or tofu.
  2. To make it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped chilies.
  3. Leftover pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  4. If making gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
  5. If preferred, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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