One-Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta is a delicious and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken, savory BBQ flavors, and hearty pasta, it comes together quickly with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 2 1/2 cups dry rotini pasta
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for extra kick

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Add diced chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned.
3. Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium. Add BBQ sauce, honey, and soy sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
5. Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and add dry rotini pasta. Mix well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
6. Step 6: Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Step 7: Uncover and simmer for another 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the pasta is al dente.
8. Step 8: Taste and season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or smoked paprika if desired. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of cream or sour cream at the end of cooking.
• Swap rotini for penne or fusilli if preferred; cooking times may vary slightly.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the last 5 minutes to boost nutrition.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels better.
• For a smoky depth, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the other spices.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result. Just dice them similarly and adjust cooking time if needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The sauce and cooking process remain the same.

One-Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 124 reviews

This One-Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal combining tender chicken, savory BBQ sauce, sweet honey, and perfectly cooked rotini pasta. Cooked all in one pot, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Sauce

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce

Pasta and Seasoning

• 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 2 1/2 cups dry rotini pasta
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for extra kick

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
2. Cook chicken: Add diced chicken to the hot oil and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned on all sides.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute to enhance the aroma and flavor.
4. Add sauces: Reduce heat to medium and add BBQ sauce, honey, and soy sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the sauce mixture.
5. Add broth and pasta: Pour in chicken broth and add the dry rotini pasta. Mix well, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
6. Simmer covered: Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Uncover and reduce sauce: Remove the cover and simmer for another 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the pasta reaches al dente texture.
8. Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. Serve the pasta hot.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken broth with water, but broth adds more flavor.
• Adjust cooking time depending on your pasta brand to avoid overcooking.
• For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika as an optional seasoning.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: one pot chicken pasta, honey garlic chicken, BBQ chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, stovetop pasta