Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

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Rich, juicy steak meets bold, flavor-packed pasta in this mouthwatering Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta. Each bite offers a balance of heat, savory depth, and a whisper of sweetness, all brought together with tender strips of seared steak and al dente noodles coated in a garlicky glaze. Whether you’re craving something indulgent for a cozy night in or want to impress guests with a no-fuss, flavor-forward dish, this pasta delivers comfort with a kick.

The marriage of chili flakes, caramelized garlic, and a touch of honey gives this dish its signature profile: sweet at first, then gradually warming your palate with a peppery punch. Perfectly charred steak slices crown a bed of noodles that glisten with a rich, umami-packed sauce — making this a standout weeknight dinner idea or even a special-occasion meal without the stress. It’s as comforting as your favorite pasta and as bold as your go-to steakhouse entrée.

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Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

• 8 oz spaghetti or bucatini pasta
• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, sliced into strips
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Optional: grated parmesan cheese for serving

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Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Start by patting the steak dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the steak strips for about 2-3 minutes per side or until nicely browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest.

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Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti or bucatini until just al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the noodles and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Sweet and Spicy Garlic Sauce

Lower the heat of the skillet to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until golden and fragrant, about 1 minute — be careful not to burn it. Stir in soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until the sauce starts to bubble and thicken slightly.

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Step 4: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Return the steak strips to the pan and gently mix everything together until warmed through.

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Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Plate the pasta in bowls and top with juicy slices of steak. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, a dusting of grated parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy the sweet, spicy, and savory explosion of flavor.

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Storage Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s a big if), Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta stores beautifully for future meals.

• Refrigerator: Place cooled pasta and steak in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving the steak too long to prevent it from becoming tough.
• Freezer: This dish can be frozen, but for best quality, freeze the pasta and steak separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fiber: 2g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes! Ribeye, NY strip, or even skirt steak work great. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness.

2. Is this dish very spicy?

It has a medium kick thanks to the red pepper flakes. Reduce or omit them for a milder flavor, or increase if you’re feeling bold.

3. Can I substitute the honey?

Absolutely. Maple syrup or agave nectar are great alternatives to keep that touch of sweetness.

4. What other pasta shapes can I use?

Spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini are ideal, but penne or fettuccine would also work beautifully.

5. How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.

6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli pair wonderfully with the bold flavors.

7. Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — cook and store the components separately, then combine and heat when ready to eat for maximum freshness.

8. Can I make this vegetarian?

For a meatless twist, swap the steak with pan-fried tofu, mushrooms, or seared tempeh and follow the same sauce instructions.

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