One-Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken, savory garlic, and sweet honey BBQ sauce, it delivers comfort in every bite with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Pour in BBQ sauce, honey, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Step 4: Add rotini pasta and stir to ensure it is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: When the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, add the cooked chicken back into the pot. Stir thoroughly to coat the chicken with the sauce.
6. Step 6: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Swap rotini for penne or fusilli if preferred; both hold sauce well.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes before cooking the garlic.
• Use a low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach in step 4 for added nutrition.

Storage

Store any leftovers 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 chicken broth or water if the pasta seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great and will add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish. Adjust cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It’s best to store this pasta in the refrigerator rather than the freezer, as the sauce and pasta texture can change after freezing. If you do freeze, reheat carefully and stir well.

One-Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 68 reviews

This One-Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta is a deliciously easy meal combining tender chicken breast, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, and a flavorful honey garlic BBQ sauce. With minimal cleanup and rich, comforting flavors, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken & Cooking

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta & Sauce

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 4 cups chicken broth

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté garlic: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add sauce ingredients: Pour in the BBQ sauce, honey, and chicken broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
4. Cook pasta: Add the rotini pasta to the pot, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Combine chicken and sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, add the cooked chicken back into the pot. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the honey garlic BBQ sauce.
6. Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Notes

• You can substitute the chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
• If you like spicier flavors, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
• Use gluten-free rotini pasta if you want to make this recipe gluten-free.
• For a creamier version, stir in 1/4 cup of cream or sour cream at the end before serving.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: one-pot meal, chicken pasta, BBQ chicken, honey garlic sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meal