Name: Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz linguine; 1 lb sirloin steak (or ribeye/New York strip); 2 tbsp olive oil, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 3 tbsp honey; 1 to 2 tsp red pepper flakes, to taste; 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for extra gloss)

There’s something undeniably irresistible about the way juicy, seared steak pairs with tender pasta and a sauce that strikes just the right balance between sweet heat and savory garlic richness. This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is one of those dishes that feels restaurant-worthy, yet is simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. Every bite delivers a perfect contrast of flavors and textures — silky noodles coated in a glossy sauce, succulent strips of steak, and a hint of fresh herbs for brightness.

The sauce is where the magic happens: garlic gently sautéed until fragrant, a splash of soy for umami depth, a touch of honey for sweetness, and chili flakes for that lingering kick. The result? A pasta dish that doesn’t just satisfy hunger, but makes you linger over each bite, maybe even reaching for seconds (or thirds).

What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

For the most tender and flavorful result, choose a cut like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip. These cuts cook quickly and slice beautifully against the grain, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you’re watching the budget, flank steak works too — just make sure to marinate it a bit longer and slice thinly.

Ingredients for the Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

Steak — The star of the show, bringing hearty protein and savory depth.
Pasta — Linguine or spaghetti work best for holding onto the glossy sauce.
Garlic — Adds that rich, aromatic base.
Soy Sauce — Balances sweetness with salty umami.
Honey — For a natural sweetness that melds with the chili heat.
Red Pepper Flakes — To give the sauce its signature spicy kick.
Olive Oil — Helps sear the steak and sauté the garlic to perfection.
Fresh Parsley — Adds freshness and a pop of color.
Salt & Pepper — To season the dish at every stage.

How To Make the Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak

Generously season both sides of your steak with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until a nice crust forms. Remove from the pan and let it rest.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the steak rests, boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet used for the steak, lower the heat to medium and add a touch more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then stir in soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for a minute.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet, tossing well to coat. Use the reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the sauce and make it silky.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Slice the rested steak against the grain and place it over the pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra chili flakes if you like it hotter.

Serving and Storing Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

Serve immediately while the steak is warm and the pasta is glossy. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken instead of steak?

Yes! Chicken breast or thighs work well — just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What pasta shape works best?

Long strands like linguine or spaghetti are perfect for catching the sauce, but penne or rigatoni work if you prefer shorter pasta.

How do I make it less spicy?

Reduce or skip the red pepper flakes and balance with a bit more honey.

Can I make it ahead?

You can prepare the sauce and steak ahead of time, then cook pasta fresh and combine before serving.

Will it still taste good without soy sauce?

Soy sauce adds depth, but you can substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for a similar flavor.

Want More Pasta Ideas with Bold Flavors?

If you loved this Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta, you’ll enjoy these too:

For even more delicious inspiration, check out my Pinterest Life with Jam board where I share daily recipes.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it anytime.

I’d love to hear how yours turned out — did you go heavier on the spice or add extra honey? Maybe tried a different pasta shape? Share your twist in the comments so we can all cook smarter (and tastier) together.

Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Juicy, pan-seared steak meets glossy sweet-heat garlic sauce and silky linguine. It’s weeknight-easy, restaurant-special, and ready in about 30 minutes.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup cooking water and drain.

2. Pat steak dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear steak 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to preference; rest 5–10 minutes.

4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil (and butter, if using). Saute garlic 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes; simmer 60–90 seconds.

5. Add drained pasta; toss to coat, loosening with splashes of reserved pasta water until silky.

6. Slice steak thinly against the grain; return to the skillet or arrange over pasta. Toss gently.

7. Taste and adjust sweetness/heat/salt; add a splash more pasta water if needed.

8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.