Honey BBQ chicken penne is that magical one-pan dinner that instantly fills the kitchen with savory, tangy, sweet aromas. We love making this honey BBQ chicken penne on busy weeknights — everything simmers together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze while still delivering big comforting flavors. It’s pasta meets BBQ chicken in the coziest, most satisfying way.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

One pan = zero cleanup
Sweet, tangy, smoky BBQ flavor
Tender chicken and perfectly coated pasta
Great for kids and adults alike
Ready in 25–30 minutes

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

2 cups penne pasta
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup BBQ sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup shredded cheddar
Salt & pepper
Fresh parsley

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Heat oil and cook chicken until lightly browned.
Add garlic and smoked paprika.
Stir in BBQ sauce, honey, and chicken broth.
Add penne pasta and simmer until tender.
Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese.
Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

How to Serve

Serve hot straight from the pan
Pair with garlic bread or a crisp salad
Top with extra cheddar or red pepper flakes

How to Store

Refrigerate: Up to 3 days
Freeze: Up to 1 month (best without cream)
Reheat: Add splash of broth/cream to loosen

Tips

Use a smoky BBQ sauce for deeper flavor
Add bell peppers for color
Stir frequently to prevent sticking

Helpful Notes

Substitute rotini or rigatoni
Use half-and-half instead of cream
Add extra honey if you like sweeter pasta

Variations

Spicy Honey BBQ: Add chipotle or cayenne
Veggie-Packed: Add peas, corn, or spinach
Cheesy-Baked Version: Transfer to baking dish and broil

FAQs

Q: Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes — add it in the final 5 minutes.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut milk and dairy-free cheese.

Q: Does this dish taste very sweet?
It’s balanced — sweet, tangy, smoky, and savory.

Conclusion

This cozy, flavorful honey BBQ chicken penne brings together everything we love in a one-pan pasta comfort, ease, and big flavor. Let us know how your family enjoys it!

ONE-PAN TANGY HONEY BBQ CHICKEN PENNE

Author: Nonna Teresa Conti
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

One-pan honey BBQ chicken penne with tangy, smoky, creamy flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups penne pasta

1 lb diced chicken breast

1 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup BBQ sauce

2 tbsp honey

1 tsp smoked paprika

2 cups chicken broth

½ cup heavy cream

½ cup cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper

Parsley

Instructions

1. Cook chicken in oil.

2. Add garlic and paprika.

3. Stir in BBQ sauce, honey, and broth.

4. Add pasta and simmer.

5. Mix in cream and cheddar.

6. Garnish and serve.

Notes

Use smoky BBQ sauce for more depth.

Add vegetables if desired.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 520
Sugar: 19g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: honey BBQ chicken penne, one pan chicken pasta, weeknight pasta dinner

Author
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Teresa Conti

Teresa Conti loves adding a creative twist to pizza night. Known for her fun and trendy recipes, Teresa turns every meal into a joyful culinary adventure with unique toppings and bold flavors. Her lively personality and passion for experimentation make her pizzas both exciting and delicious.