One Pot Honey Garlic Bbq Chicken Pasta

Craving a quick and flavorful meal that’s packed with savory goodness? One Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta is here to satisfy your taste buds!

This dish combines tender chicken, sweet honey, rich BBQ sauce, and the perfect hint of garlic, all simmered together in one pot for maximum flavor.

Picture biting into juicy chicken with creamy pasta, all coated in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce that’s both comforting and exciting.

Let’s get cooking and create this easy, one-pot wonder that will quickly become a weeknight favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All in One Pot: Less cleanup, more flavor.
• Sweet, Savory, and Creamy: Honey, BBQ sauce, garlic, and cheese all play together so well.
• Quick Weeknight Meal: Done in under an hour, with pantry staples.
• Kid-Friendly and Grown-Up Approved: A dish everyone at the table will enjoy.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings: Serves 4–6 people as a main dish.

Difficulty: Easy — great for beginners and still satisfying for seasoned cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater
• Tongs or spoon for stirring

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting one-pot meal. The exact amounts are listed in the recipe card at the end.

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast, diced
• 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini work best)

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil – to sear the chicken
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – adds depth and fragrance
• 2 cups chicken broth – helps cook the pasta right in the pot
• 1 cup milk – makes the sauce creamy
• ½ cup barbecue sauce – smoky and rich
• 2 tbsp honey – sweetens and balances the BBQ tang

Seasoning

• 1 tsp paprika – adds a warm, earthy note
• ½ tsp chili powder – gives a hint of heat
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Finish

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese – melts into the sauce
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – for extra depth and saltiness

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped – adds color and a fresh finish

Variations for One Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta

• Swap the Protein: Try smoked sausage, rotisserie chicken, or even tofu for a twist.
• Make it Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne or a spoonful of hot sauce with the garlic.
• Use a Different Cheese: Sharp cheddar or smoked gouda brings a bolder bite.
• Add Veggies: Stir in baby spinach, frozen corn, or sautéed bell peppers during the last 5 minutes.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your BBQ sauce.

How to Make One Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta

Here’s how I make this on busy nights—no fancy steps, just real food coming together.

1. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder.
Cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked through. Set aside on a plate.

2. Sauté Garlic

In the same pot, lower the heat and add the minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn.

3. Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, milk, barbecue sauce, and honey. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

4. Add Pasta and Chicken

Return the chicken to the pot along with the dry pasta. Stir everything gently to combine.

5. Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.

6. Stir in the Cheese

Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.

7. Finish with Garnish

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving for a fresh contrast.

Serving and Decoration

This dish is hearty and doesn’t need much, but here are some simple serving ideas I use to round it out:

• Serve with a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Add a Slice of Bread: Garlic bread or toasted sourdough is great for scooping up that creamy sauce.
• Top with Extras: A little extra cheese, red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of BBQ sauce on top makes it pop.

Storing One Pot Pasta

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better overnight.
• Reheating: Add a splash of broth or milk before reheating in the microwave or stovetop to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce can separate. This one is best fresh or refrigerated.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Fresh Garlic: It really makes a difference in the flavor of the sauce.
• Stir Occasionally While Simmering: This prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom and helps it cook evenly.
• Let it Rest Before Serving: Letting it sit for 5 minutes helps the sauce thicken up just right.
• Don’t Skip the Cheese: The combo of mozzarella and Parmesan gives the sauce its creamy finish—don’t cut corners here.

🍽️ Nutrition Information (Per Serving, approx.)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~520 kcal
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	9g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	9g
Sodium	710mg
Calcium	180mg

Note: Values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. Add it in step 4 along with the pasta.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a plant-based milk and vegan cheese substitutes. Sauce texture may vary slightly.

Q: What BBQ sauce works best?
I prefer a smoky or honey-style BBQ sauce to match the honey garlic flavor.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your pot is big enough to hold everything comfortably.

🧾 Conclusion

One Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta is one of those meals I keep coming back to—simple, cozy, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home without needing a stack of ingredients or hours in the kitchen.

If you’ve got a skillet, some pasta, and a craving for something creamy, sweet, and savory, this one’s got you covered. I hope it becomes a weeknight favorite in your kitchen like it has in mine.