Sometimes the best meals come together in one skillet — quick, flavorful, and just a little bit indulgent. This Skillet Spicy Honey Garlic Beef Pasta does exactly that. It’s a dish that balances sweet honey and savory garlic with a touch of heat, all coating tender ground beef and pasta in one pan. If you’ve ever found yourself staring into the fridge, wondering what can come together fast but still taste like you put in some effort, this is it.

I remember the first time I threw this together — the kitchen was a little chaotic, with a timer buzzing somewhere in the background and a distracted mind juggling dinner plans and a half-finished to-do list. The aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil pulled me back to the moment, and I realized the pasta was just about perfect, somewhere between al dente and just right. The honey and soy sauce simmered into a glaze that clung to each bite, sweet but with a subtle heat that didn’t overpower. I was so focused on stirring that I almost forgot to set the table — classic me.

Why You’ll Love It

The blend of sweet honey and spicy red pepper flakes makes each bite exciting without being overwhelming.
One skillet means fewer dishes — it’s simple — and that’s kind of the point.
Ready in about 30 minutes, so it fits even on busy weeknights when time is tight.
Ground beef adds hearty protein, making it filling but still easy to digest.
The fresh parsley on top brightens the dish, adding a little color and freshness just before serving.

If you’re wondering whether the spice level will be too much or too little, it’s easy to adjust to your taste by dialing back the red pepper flakes or adding a pinch more if you’re feeling adventurous. This recipe is flexible — not every batch will be exactly the same, but that’s part of the charm.

Skillet Spicy Honey Garlic Beef Pasta

Print Recipe

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring tender ground beef, pasta, and a spicy honey garlic sauce that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and heat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet with the beef and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and beef broth.
Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce and beef mixture.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta before serving.

Kitchen Notes: I usually use a large skillet with a lid to help the sauce thicken evenly. Serving this with a simple side salad or steamed greens keeps things light and fresh. If you want to switch things up, adding a splash of lemon juice right before serving can add a nice tang, or toss in some chopped mushrooms with the beef for extra umami. I haven’t tested this with turkey or chicken, but ground poultry might work if you adjust cooking times slightly. Also, swapping penne for fusilli or rigatoni can change the texture in a good way, depending on what you have on hand.

FAQ

Can I make this vegetarian? You could try substituting the beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, but the sauce might need tweaking to suit those flavors.
Is it freezer-friendly? Leftovers store well in the fridge but freezing might change the texture of the pasta.
How spicy is it? The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but you can always reduce or omit them if you prefer mild.

Next time you want a meal that feels like a little treat but doesn’t take hours, give this skillet pasta a try. It’s a great way to make dinner feel both cozy and exciting, even on a rushed evening.