Description
This One-Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner that combines tender chicken pieces sautéed with smoky spices, tossed with rotini pasta in a sweet and tangy BBQ honey garlic sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting meal simplifies dinner prep without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder (or 2 garlic cloves, minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pasta and Sauce
- 2 cups rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sauté for about 5–6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Liquids and Sauces: Pour in the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, honey, and soy sauce. Stir everything well to combine the flavors evenly.
- Add Pasta and Boil: Add the rotini pasta to the pot and stir again to distribute. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Dish: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust and Finalize Sauce: Remove the lid and stir the pasta and sauce. If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered a bit longer to thicken. If too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch before serving hot.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, smoked paprika is key; regular paprika can be substituted but alters flavor slightly.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by varying the amount of honey or BBQ sauce to suit your taste.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure pasta cooks evenly.
- This dish is best served immediately but can be refrigerated and reheated within 2 days.
