Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One-Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick yet hearty meal. The flavors are rich and complex, with the BBQ sauce providing that smoky depth and the honey adding a touch of sweetness. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish, which means minimal cleanup—always a win! The combination of tender chicken, creamy pasta, and melted cheese is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that delivers on flavor with little effort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
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Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
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Add Liquids and Pasta: Stir in the chicken broth, milk, barbecue sauce, and honey. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the pasta.
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Simmer: Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
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Add Cheese: Once the pasta is done, stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
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Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for tofu or a medley of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce if you prefer some extra heat in your dish.
- Cheese Swap: Use different types of cheese like cheddar or gouda to change the flavor profile.
- Pasta Variety: Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or bowties.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave until warmed through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work perfectly well in this recipe. They will add a bit more flavor and tenderness to the dish.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to reheat it properly when you’re ready to enjoy it.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, the recipe contains regular pasta which is not gluten-free. However, you can use gluten-free pasta if needed.
4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms can easily be added to the dish for extra nutrition and flavor.
5. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese alternatives for the mozzarella and Parmesan, and swap out the milk for a dairy-free version like almond or oat milk.
6. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, rotini, or even spaghetti.
7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
You can freeze the leftover pasta, but the texture of the pasta may change slightly after freezing and reheating.
8. How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce when you cook the chicken, or sprinkle some chili powder on top when serving.
9. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! Just divide it into portions and store them in airtight containers for easy meals throughout the week.
10. Can I make this recipe without honey?
If you prefer not to use honey, you can substitute with maple syrup or simply leave it out for a less sweet dish.
Conclusion
One-Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner, offering a rich, creamy, and flavorful meal with minimal effort and cleanup. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it with your own variations, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your home. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s such a crowd-pleaser!
Print
One-Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta brings together the sweet and smoky flavors of BBQ sauce and honey with tender chicken and creamy pasta. A quick and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights. All made in one pot with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Stir in chicken broth, milk, barbecue sauce, and honey. Bring to a boil, then add the pasta.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese: Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Freezing: Leftovers can be frozen, but texture may change after reheating.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
