Description
Flavorful one-pan pasta with tender chicken in sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce. The sauce infuses the penne as it cooks, creating a creamy, saucy dish packed with rich barbecue taste. Quick and deeply satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced
8 oz uncooked penne pasta
1 cup honey barbecue sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings
Chopped parsley
Crushed red pepper flakes
Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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Sear chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium‑high heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
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Add sauce: Stir in chicken broth, honey barbecue sauce, and soy sauce if using. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Cook pasta: Add uncooked penne, ensuring it’s submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook over medium heat about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
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Adjust seasoning: Taste and add extra salt, pepper, or smoked paprika if needed.
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Finish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with parsley, chili flakes, or shredded cheese as desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Use boneless chicken for quick, even cooking.
Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking.
Adjust honey or BBQ sauce to balance sweetness and tang.
Cover skillet to trap steam and cook pasta evenly.
Add cheese at the end for smooth melty finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Skillet, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 820
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 95
Keywords: honey bbq chicken pasta, one pan bbq chicken penne, creamy bbq chicken dinner, easy chicken pasta skillet, family pasta recipe