Description

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a deliciously simple and hearty dish combining tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all made in a single skillet. With a hint of honey for sweetness and smoked paprika for depth, this recipe provides a balanced, flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and easy to clean up.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
1 ½ cups water or chicken broth

For the Sauce

¾ cup BBQ sauce (preferably smoky variety)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Optional Garnish

Chopped parsley or green onion

Instructions

Heat the oil and cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
Deglaze and simmer pasta: In the same skillet, pour in water or chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and lift any flavorful bits.
Cook the penne: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Add the sauce ingredients: Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat and stir in the BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until well combined.
Incorporate the chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix thoroughly. Let the dish simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal.

Notes

Use chicken broth instead of water for more flavor.
Choose a smoky BBQ sauce for a richer taste.
If you prefer spicy, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the sauce.
Ensure to stir occasionally during pasta cooking to prevent sticking.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: BBQ chicken penne, one-pan dinner, honey BBQ chicken, quick chicken pasta, easy BBQ pasta recipe