Tired of the same old pasta night routine? Let me introduce you to this Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta that’s about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner game! This quick dinner combines tender flank steak with perfectly cooked pasta in a sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and spicy sriracha.
The result? A mouthwatering steak pasta dish that delivers complex flavors in every bite. The tender flank steak cooks quickly while developing a beautiful caramelized crust, and the sauce comes together in minutes using the same pan, meaning maximum flavor with minimal cleanup! Whether you’re looking for an easy Asian-inspired pasta recipe or a savory brunch bake alternative for dinner, this sweet and spicy pasta creation delivers restaurant-quality results with pantry staples and about 30 minutes of your time. Get ready for your new favorite pasta dish that’s guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Steak Pasta
- Perfect Balance: The combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and spicy sriracha creates an irresistible flavor profile that elevates this steak pasta beyond ordinary weeknight meals.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast dinner solution.
- One-Pan Technique: The steak and sauce cook in the same skillet, building layers of flavor while minimizing cleanup, ideal for those seeking easy dinner recipes.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite pasta shape and adjustable spice levels, making it adaptable for both spice lovers and those who prefer a milder sweet and spicy sauce.
Ingredients
- Flank Steak: This cut cooks quickly and slices beautifully against the grain for tender bites in your steak pasta.
- Pasta: Choose your favorite shape, fettuccine, linguine, or penne all work wonderfully in this Asian-inspired pasta dish.
- Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and savory foundation for the sweet and spicy sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami richness and saltiness to balance the sweet elements in this fusion recipe.
- Honey: Creates a glossy sauce with natural sweetness that caramelizes slightly when cooked, perfect for sweet and savory pasta dishes.
- Sriracha: Brings a complex heat with subtle garlic notes, essential for achieving that perfect sweet and spicy balance.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds another dimension of spiciness and visual appeal to this garlic steak pasta.
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens the finished dish with color and fresh flavor.
Note: The exact measurements for these ingredients will be available in the recipe card below the article.
How to Make this Garlic Steak Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Cook your pasta in generously salted water according to package directions until al dente. Remember to reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining, this starchy liquid can help thin your sauce if needed, a pro tip for any pasta with steak recipe.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
While the pasta cooks, prepare your steak. Season it generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, then add a touch of oil. Place the steak in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness. Remove the steak to a cutting board and let it rest, a crucial step for juicy meat in your steak pasta dish.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
In the same skillet with all those flavorful steak bits, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the soy sauce, honey, sriracha, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly, creating that perfect sweet and spicy sauce.
Step 4: Slice and Return the Steak
While the sauce simmers, slice your rested steak thinly against the grain. Return the sliced steak to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices from the cutting board. Toss to coat the steak in the sauce and warm it through, about 1-2 minutes, this is what makes this garlic steak pasta so flavorful.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the steak and sauce. Using tongs, toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for the best quick dinner experience.
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pasta Pot
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak
- 1 pound pasta any shape you prefer
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon sriracha adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes plus more for garnish if desired
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season the flank steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
- Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust time based on thickness and desired doneness). Remove from the skillet and let rest on a cutting board.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the soy sauce, honey, sriracha, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain. Return the sliced steak and any accumulated juices to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat and warm through, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and additional red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition.
- Substitute chicken or shrimp for the steak if preferred.
- For a richer sauce, add a tablespoon of butter at the end.
Pro Tips for Making this Garlic Steak Pasta
- Room Temperature Steak: Let your steak sit out for 15-20 minutes before cooking for more even cooking, essential for perfect steak pasta recipes.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce, a key technique for any Asian-inspired pasta.
- Slice Against the Grain: Cut your steak perpendicular to the muscle fibers for the most tender bites in your sweet and spicy steak dish.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce reduces too much, add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency, making it perfect for coating every strand of pasta.
- Heat Level: Adjust the sriracha and red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level, this flexibility makes it a great recipe for both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors.
How to Serve this Garlic Steak Pasta
This versatile steak pasta dish can be presented in several delicious ways:
- Family Style: Serve in a large pasta bowl with tongs for everyone to help themselves, perfect for casual dinner gatherings.
- Individual Portions: Twirl pasta into neat nests on plates and arrange steak slices on top for an elegant presentation that elevates this quick dinner to special-occasion status.
- Add Freshness: A sprinkle of additional red pepper flakes and extra chopped parsley adds color and freshness to your sweet and spicy pasta creation.
- Side Companions: Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal, making it a satisfying alternative to a savory brunch bake for dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Prep Components Ahead
You can prepare elements of this dish in advance to streamline dinner prep:
- Cook the pasta ahead of time, toss with a little oil, and refrigerate.
- Make the sweet and spicy sauce up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator.
- The steak can be seasoned up to 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover steak pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often develop overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch, another reason this ranks among the best easy dinner recipes.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but may result in slightly overcooked steak in your pasta with steak leftovers.
FAQs : Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Can I use a different cut of steak for this steak pasta recipe?
Absolutely! Sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak work well as alternatives to flank steak in this sweet and spicy pasta dish. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness and your preferred doneness.
Is this sweet and spicy garlic steak pasta too spicy for kids?
The spice level is customizable. For a family-friendly version, reduce or omit the sriracha and red pepper flakes, then add hot sauce at the table for adults who prefer more heat in their steak pasta.
What pasta shapes work best with this sweet and spicy sauce?
Long pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti work beautifully as they catch the sauce well. However, shorter shapes like penne or bow ties are also excellent choices for this Asian-inspired pasta recipe.
Can I make this garlic steak pasta gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and use tamari instead of soy sauce for a completely gluten-free meal that still delivers all the sweet and spicy flavors.
What vegetables would pair well with this steak pasta dish?
For added nutrition, consider tossing in some quick-cooking vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli florets during the final minutes of cooking to create an even more complete quick dinner.
This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta brings together bold flavors in a harmonious balance that will satisfy both meat lovers and pasta enthusiasts. The combination of tender steak, al dente pasta, and that irresistible sweet-spicy sauce creates a memorable meal that feels special enough for weekend entertaining yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. The one-pan approach for the sauce and steak not only builds incredible flavor but also keeps cleanup to a minimum, always a win on busy days!
So as we always say at Keep This Recipe, “Good food is meant to be shared, but great recipes are meant to be kept!”
