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If you’re craving a meal that brings together bold, comforting flavors with a touch of sweet and savory magic, you’re going to absolutely love the Sticky Honey Garlic Steak with Rotini Pasta Recipe. This dish combines tender, juicy steak with a luscious honey garlic glaze that clings perfectly to every twist of rotini pasta, creating a bite that’s rich, vibrant, and wildly satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that feels both indulgent and approachable, perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Sticky Honey Garlic Steak with Rotini Pasta Recipe plays an essential role in delivering a deliciously balanced plate. From the tender steak providing hearty protein, to the honey and garlic melding into a sticky, irresistible sauce, these simple components come together to create a colorful and flavorful meal.
- 1 lb Steak: Tender protein that enriches the dish; can be swapped with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different twist.
- 2 tbsp Olive oil: Essential for searing the steak to perfection and sautéing the garlic.
- Salt, to taste: Fundamental for seasoning the steak to enhance its natural flavor.
- Pepper, to taste: Fundamental for seasoning the steak to enhance its natural flavor.
- 8 oz Rotini pasta: The ideal shape to soak up and hold the sticky sauce beautifully.
- 4 cloves Fresh garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic depth; remember to mince it finely.
- 1/2 cup Honey: Sweetness that perfectly balances the savory elements; maple syrup or agave nectar are great alternatives.
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce: Provides that umami flavor boost; opt for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option.
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes: A pinch adds a delightful heat; omit if you prefer a milder sauce.
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and an herbaceous finish.
How to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Steak with Rotini Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Rotini
Start this recipe by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente — that perfect tender bite with just a little chew. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside so it’s ready to soak up all that fantastic sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
While the pasta cooks, season your steak generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add your steak. Cook it for 4-5 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until it reaches your preferred level of doneness. Give the steak a few minutes to rest after cooking so the juices redistribute, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
Using the same skillet, keep all those flavorful steak drippings and toss in minced garlic. Sauté it briefly—around 30 seconds—until it releases that gorgeous aroma. Then stir in honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens to a luscious glaze that will cling perfectly to your pasta and steak.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked rotini back into the skillet with the sauce, tossing everything together so the pasta is fully coated. If the sauce feels a little too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will loosen it just enough to create that ideal sticky texture we all love.
Step 5: Slice Steak and Mix
Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain, then add it to the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Give it all a final toss for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle beautifully and the steak to soak up a bit of that irresistible honey garlic glaze.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your dish by sprinkling fresh parsley over the top for that lovely pop of green and fresh flavor. If you want to amp up sweetness or heat, feel free to drizzle a little extra honey or sprinkle more red pepper flakes right before serving.
How to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Steak with Rotini Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the perfect garnish, adding vibrant color and a fresh touch to balance the rich sweetness of the honey garlic sauce. You can also consider a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra layer of brightness and crunch.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with simple, crisp sides like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a fresh mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette. These sides provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty, saucy pasta and steak.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation twist, plate the rotini in a shallow bowl and fan the sliced steak on top. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the steak and pasta for a glossy finish. You could also serve in individual cast-iron skillets to keep it warm and keep things rustic yet cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from the Sticky Honey Garlic Steak with Rotini Pasta Recipe refrigerate beautifully in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Keep the dish chilled to make reheating easier and ensure the steak stays tender and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to store this meal longer, it freezes well for up to 2 months. To freeze, place your cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to release as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently either in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up and keep the pasta coated just right without drying out the steak.
FAQs
Can I use other types of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While a tender cut like sirloin or flank steak works best for flavor and texture, you can swap in ribeye, skirt steak, or even filet mignon depending on your preference and budget.
Is there a good substitute for honey?
Yes, if you don’t have honey or prefer an alternative, maple syrup or agave nectar are fantastic substitutes that will provide a similar sweetness and help achieve that sticky glaze.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Simply use gluten-free rotini pasta and substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce brand to keep all the umami goodness without gluten.
How spicy is the sauce with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that complements the sweetness nicely. If you prefer your dish without any heat, you can leave them out or adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Can I prepare any parts of this dish in advance?
Yes! Cooking the pasta ahead of time and slicing the steak after resting are great ways to save time when you’re ready to serve. Just keep the components refrigerated separately and combine them with the fresh sauce when you’re ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Honey Garlic Steak with Rotini Pasta Recipe really is a labor of love you can pull together quickly for a stunning dinner full of flavor and comfort. It’s one of those dishes that invites you to slow down and savor every sticky, garlicky, sweet bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal!
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Sticky Honey Garlic Steak with Rotini Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Description
This Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini recipe provides a quick and comforting meal featuring tender seared steak tossed with al dente rotini pasta in a luscious honey garlic soy sauce. The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors creates a deliciously sticky coating that clings beautifully to every bite. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is an easy weeknight dinner that can be adapted with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for variety.
Ingredients
Protein and Pasta
- 1 lb Steak
- 8 oz Rotini pasta
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 4 cloves Fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Rotini: Begin by boiling the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to use later in the recipe.
- Season and Cook the Steak: Generously season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until it reaches your preferred level of doneness. Remove the steak and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Sauté Garlic and Make Sauce: In the same skillet with the steak drippings, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked rotini back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired texture is achieved.
- Slice Steak and Combine: Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain. Add the steak slices to the skillet and toss everything together for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the pasta and steak mixture and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Optionally, drizzle extra honey or sprinkle more red pepper flakes for added sweetness or heat before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute steak with chicken, shrimp, or tofu to suit your preference.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
- Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and improves its cling to the pasta.
- Resting the steak after cooking ensures juicier, more tender slices.
