Description

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a quick and delicious dinner option featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with smoky and sweet honey barbecue sauce, combined with perfectly simmered penne pasta in a single skillet. With a savory blend of spices and optional melted cheese topping, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pasta

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 ounces uncooked penne pasta

Sauce and Seasonings

1 cup honey barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

Chopped fresh parsley
Crushed red pepper flakes
Shredded cheddar cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Sauce and Pasta: Stir in the honey barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and chicken broth to the skillet. Then add the uncooked penne pasta, stirring to combine. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer the Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the mixture simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to a rich consistency.
Optional Cheese Melt: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dish. Cover again and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and top with chopped fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Serve the One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne hot for a perfect sweet and savory meal.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
Low-sodium chicken broth helps control saltiness but regular broth works fine.
Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for mild flavor.
Keep stirring occasionally during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the pan.
For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese toppings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Honey BBQ chicken, one-pan dinner, penne pasta recipe, quick chicken dinner, skillet chicken pasta, easy weeknight meal