If you are searching for a meal that brings a delightful combination of flavors with minimal fuss, this One-Pan Sweet and Smoky Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe is absolutely the answer. Imagine tender chicken strips coated in a luscious sauce that beautifully balances smoky paprika, sweet honey, and savory soy, all tossed effortlessly with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish delivers a comforting, satisfyingly rich experience that’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a fast favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each one contributing a unique note that creates the unforgettable harmony of this dish. From the tender chicken to the punch of garlic and the subtle heat of smoked paprika, every element plays a crucial role in taste, aroma, and texture.
- Chicken breasts (2, cut into bite-sized strips): Choose fresh chicken breasts for juicy, tender protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds a smooth richness and helps in browning the chicken evenly.
- Sesame oil (1 tbsp, optional): Brings a subtle nutty dimension that elevates the overall flavor.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with robust, savory depth that’s simply irresistible.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/3 cup): Provides a salty umami base without overpowering the other flavors.
- Honey (1/4 cup, or brown sugar): Adds that perfect sweet counterbalance to the smokiness and spice.
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Delivers the smoky, warm notes that define this recipe’s character.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water): Thickens the sauce to a silky, clingy consistency.
- Linguine or spaghetti (8 oz, cooked and drained): The perfect pasta choice to soak up every bit of that delectable sauce.
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other layers of flavor.
- Sesame seeds, for garnish: A lovely finishing touch adding texture and a hint of nuttiness.
How to Make One-Pan Sweet and Smoky Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil and optional sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken strips, seasoning them with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same pan that held the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. This brief cooking releases the garlic’s aromatic oils without burning it, creating a fragrant base for the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Next, pour in the low-sodium soy sauce and stir in the honey, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 3 minutes so the flavors meld together, creating that signature sweet and smoky vibe.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry—the combination of cornstarch and water—into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce will thicken, becoming luxuriously glossy and ready to coat your chicken and pasta perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the golden chicken strips to the pan and stir thoroughly to coat each piece with the sauce. Then, add the cooked linguine or spaghetti, tossing everything together with care until the pasta is evenly enveloped in that rich, flavorful glaze.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds over the top and adding a few cracks of black pepper. This final touch adds visual appeal and a delightful crunch that complements the tender pasta and chicken beautifully. Serve everything warm and watch your table light up with smiles.
How to Serve One-Pan Sweet and Smoky Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Besides sesame seeds, adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions can brighten the dish with a pop of color and fresh flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice also works wonders to cut through the sweetness and add a zesty contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers. These sides bring freshness and texture that complement the richness of the pasta perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this recipe in shallow bowls with an extra drizzle of sauce on top, or toss in some toasted nuts like cashews or almonds for crunch. Serving family-style with a rustic bread alongside makes it feel festive and comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish is cooled down before sealing to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
This pasta recipe can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze only the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta to retain the best texture. Place them in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving at high power for long periods to keep the chicken tender and pasta from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti works wonderfully here, feel free to swap in penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free varieties to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Is the sesame oil necessary?
Sesame oil is optional but highly recommended as it adds a subtle nutty aroma that enhances the overall dish. If you don’t have it, olive oil alone will still produce a delicious meal.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them altogether based on your heat tolerance. The sweetness of the honey also balances the spice nicely.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or your favorite vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. Adjust cooking times accordingly, and keep the same flavorful sauce for a satisfying alternative.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour, arrowroot powder, or tapioca starch to thicken the sauce. Just mix them with cold water before adding to avoid clumping.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Sweet and Smoky Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly a shining star in my kitchen rotation. Its effortless preparation combined with a perfectly balanced sauce means you can impress your loved ones without spending hours cooking. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how much joy one pan and a handful of simple ingredients can bring to your dinner table.
Print
One-Pan Sweet and Smoky Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful one-pan dish combining tender chicken strips with a sweet and smoky garlic sauce, tossed with pasta for an easy, satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti, cooked and drained
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oils: Heat olive oil and sesame oil (if using) in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken strips to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant to build flavor for the sauce.
- Add sauce ingredients: Pour in the soy sauce, honey, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a rich consistency.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the pan and stir well to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Add pasta: Toss the cooked and drained linguine or spaghetti into the skillet and mix everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce and chicken.
- Finish and serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and extra freshly cracked black pepper. Serve warm for a delicious one-pan meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use honey or brown sugar depending on your preference for sweetness.
- Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before adding to the skillet to avoid overcooking.
- Sesame oil adds a nice nutty flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness of the dish.
