Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini

If you’re in the mood for something that’s equal parts indulgent and comforting, this Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini is the dish you need in your life. Think tender, juicy steak coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce, paired with perfectly cooked rotini that soaks up all that delicious flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is ridiculously easy to make. I’m telling you, this one’s a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini

This recipe isn’t just about the steak and pasta—it’s about creating a complete, flavorful experience that’ll have you coming back for more. Here’s why it’s a total winner:

Sweet and Savory Perfection

The honey garlic sauce is the star of this dish. It’s sweet from the honey and savory from the garlic, with just the right touch of richness from the steak. Every bite is like a burst of flavor!

Quick and Easy

While it tastes like you’ve slaved over a stove for hours, this meal comes together super quickly. The steak gets a nice sear, and the sauce is ready in no time, making this perfect for busy weeknights.

Comforting and Satisfying

The combination of tender steak and hearty rotini pasta is seriously satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you feeling full and happy, but not overly stuffed. Plus, it’s just the right balance of savory and sweet, so you’ll never get bored.

Fancy Enough for a Special Occasion

It looks and tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant, so if you’re trying to impress a date or guests, this dish will do the trick.

One Pan Wonder

Less mess, more flavor! Everything comes together in one pan (plus a pot for pasta), making cleanup a breeze. Win-win.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this flavor-packed meal:

Steak and Pasta

• Steak (sirloin or ribeye): Tender cuts of steak are perfect for this recipe. They’re juicy, flavorful, and cook up quickly.
• Rotini Pasta: The spirals of rotini are perfect for catching all that delicious honey garlic sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

Honey Garlic Sauce

• Honey: The key to that sticky, sweet flavor. It adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance out the savory steak.
• Garlic: You can’t go wrong with fresh garlic. It gives the sauce that irresistible savory punch.
• Soy Sauce: A little salty, a little umami—soy sauce is the perfect pairing to the honey.
• Olive Oil: For cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support! the steak and getting that crispy sear.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds a little heat to balance the sweetness.
• Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce and give it that gorgeous, sticky consistency.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get into the good stuff! Here’s how you’ll make this delicious Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini:

Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support! the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sear the Steak

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your steak with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan. Sear the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side (depending on thickness), or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside to rest.

Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add honey, soy sauce, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir it all together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.

Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Slowly add this to the sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to a sticky consistency.

Slice the Steak

While the sauce is thickening, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat it well. Add the sliced steak and toss again to combine everything. Cook for another minute to heat through. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish, if desired.

Serve & Enjoy

You’re ready to dive into this sweet and savory masterpiece. Serve it up while it’s warm, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini

This dish is so flavorful that it doesn’t need much on the side. However, here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

Fresh Salad

A light, crunchy salad with a tangy vinaigrette will help cut through the richness of the honey garlic sauce. Try arugula, spinach, or a simple Caesar salad.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus pair wonderfully with this dish. Their crisp texture complements the tender steak and pasta.

Garlic Bread

If you’re in the mood for something extra, a slice of garlic bread on the side never hurts. You’ll have something to scoop up any leftover sauce!

A Glass of Red Wine

A glass of dry red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the steak and the sweet honey garlic sauce.

Additional Tips

• Adjust the heat: If you like a little more spice, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce.
• Use a meat thermometer: For perfect steak every time, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
• Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of steak?
A1: Yes! Ribeye, flank steak, or even tenderloin would work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support! time for different cuts.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: You can prep everything ahead of time, but I recommend cooking the steak just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Q3: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A3: Absolutely! Any pasta shape will work, but rotini is perfect for holding onto that sticky sauce. Penne or fusilli would also be great options.

Q4: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A4: To make it gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free version, and use gluten-free pasta.

Q5: Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?
A5: Yes, fresh garlic works perfectly! Just chop it finely so it can cook evenly and release all its wonderful flavor.

Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the sauce can lose its sticky texture after freezing and reheating.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove to keep the sauce from becoming too thin.

Q8: What can I use as a substitute for honey?
A8: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute, though they will slightly alter the flavor.

Q9: Can I make this dish spicier?
A9: Yes! You can increase the red pepper flakes, add some chopped chili peppers, or even a dash of sriracha to give it some extra heat.

Q10: Can I make this without steak?
A10: Yes, you can substitute the steak for grilled chicken or even tofu for a lighter, vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and satisfying. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, but fancy enough to impress guests. So next time you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to make but feels special, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

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