Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini

Okay, let me just say: this Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini is everything you never knew you needed in a meal. Imagine tender, juicy steak bathed in a luscious honey garlic glaze, paired perfectly with al dente rotini pasta that soaks up all that flavorful goodness. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes with each bite and say, “Mmm, this is SO good.” Trust me, you’re going to love this! It’s savory, sweet, a little garlicky, and packed with so much flavor. Plus, it comes together easily, so whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just treating yourself to a well-deserved dinner, this one is a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini

This recipe isn’t just about cooking—it’s about creating a meal that brings smiles to the table. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but indulgent, or as a dish that’ll steal the spotlight at any dinner gathering. Picture yourself serving this to your friends, and watching their eyes light up as they dig in.

Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients to create a rich and satisfying meal. Everything you need is right in your kitchen, making it an ideal recipe for when you want to stay on budget but still enjoy something amazing.

Quick and Easy: The steps are simple, and even a beginner can follow them. No fuss, just delicious results. It’s a great recipe if you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still want a meal that feels gourmet.

Customizable: Want to kick up the spice level? Toss in a bit of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Prefer a sweeter glaze? Add an extra drizzle of honey. You can play around with the flavors to suit your taste buds.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s got everything—savory, sweet, garlicky, and perfectly satisfying. This dish will definitely be a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.

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Ingredients

Here’s what makes this dish come together in the most delicious way:

Steak: The hero of the meal. Tender cuts of steak are perfect for soaking in that honey garlic glaze and cooking to juicy perfection.

Rotini Pasta: A pasta shape that catches the sauce like a pro! It’s perfect for holding onto all that sticky goodness.

Honey: The sweetness that balances the savory steak and garlic. It makes the glaze sticky and irresistible.

Garlic: A must-have for any savory dish, garlic adds depth and richness to the sauce. It’s a flavor powerhouse!

Soy Sauce: Adds that salty umami that brings everything together.

Olive Oil: To cook the steak and add a little richness to the overall dish.

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

Instructions

Let’s dive into how you’ll create this mouthwatering masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Start by preheating your pan over medium-high heat. This ensures your steak gets that perfect sear.

Cook the Steak

Season your steak with salt and pepper, and cook it in the hot pan with a little olive oil. Sear each side until it’s beautifully browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Once it’s done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into juicy strips.

Cook the Pasta

While the steak is resting, cook your rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s ready, drain and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a little pasta water for the sauce!

Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In the same pan you cooked your steak in, lower the heat and add your garlic. Let it sizzle for a minute, and then pour in the honey and soy sauce. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes, letting it thicken and get all sticky and glossy.

Toss Pasta in the Sauce

Add your cooked rotini pasta to the pan with the honey garlic sauce. Toss it all together until the pasta is coated in that sweet, savory sauce.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the honey garlic pasta on plates, topped with your perfectly sliced steak. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top, and garnish with chopped fresh herbs if you’d like. Ready to dig in? I know I am!

How to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it perfect for any occasion:

Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a great refreshing side to balance the richness of the steak and sauce.

Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any extra honey garlic sauce. Trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!

Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or carrots add some lovely color and a healthy touch to the meal.

Creamy Accompaniments: A side of creamy mashed potatoes or a dollop of sour cream works wonders to complement the bold flavors of the steak.

Sometimes, though, this dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, with just a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for that finishing touch.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make this recipe even more fantastic:

Prep Ahead: Chop your steak and get your pasta ready before you start cooking, and this meal will come together even faster!

Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, toss in some chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce.

Dietary Adjustments: Looking to make this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce for a perfect alternative.

Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the steak.

Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully. Make extra and store it in a freezer-safe container for a quick meal later!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the steak with chicken?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken breast or thighs would work wonderfully with this honey garlic sauce. Just cook them to your desired doneness and follow the same steps.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: This is best served fresh, but you can prep the steak and pasta ahead of time, and then just finish it with the sauce when you’re ready to eat.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw and reheat.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if it needs a little moisture.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just be sure to use a larger pan for the steak and sauce, and cook in batches if needed.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
A7: You can swap out the rotini for cauliflower rice or another low-carb pasta to make it fit your dietary needs.

Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A8: Roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or garlic bread are all great choices to serve alongside.

Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: Use lean cuts of steak or chicken, and add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms to the pasta for added nutrition.

Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A large skillet or frying pan works best for cooking the steak and making the sauce.

Conclusion

And there you have it—Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini is a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or impressing your guests at a dinner party, this dish hits all the right notes. So, what are you waiting for? Grab that steak, cook up that pasta, and get ready to enjoy a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini

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This Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini is a perfect blend of savory steak and sweet, sticky honey garlic sauce over tender pasta. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for an extra pop of flavor!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish, Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  1. For the Steak:

    • 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • ½ tsp salt
    • ½ tsp black pepper
    • ½ tsp garlic powder
    • ¼ tsp paprika

    For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • ⅓ cup honey
    • ¼ cup soy sauce
    • 1 tbsp brown sugar
    • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
    • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
    • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (to make slurry)

    For the Pasta:

    1. 8 oz rotini pasta
    2. 1 tbsp butter
    3. ½ tsp Italian seasoning
    4. ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
    5. Chopped green onions & sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta:
    Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with butter and Italian seasoning. Set aside.

  • Prepare the Steak:
    Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the steak and set aside.

  • Make the Sauce:
    In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).

  • Thicken the Sauce:
    Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.

  • Combine:
    Return the steak to the skillet and toss to coat in the sticky sauce. Simmer for another 2 minutes to heat through.

  • Serve:
    Serve the steak and sauce over the prepared rotini pasta. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute the soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
  • Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
  • For extra flavor, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 21g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 49g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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