One Pan Bold Honey Bbq Chicken Steak Pasta

Okay, so I was craving something bold, sweet, and just a little spicy. This One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Steak Pasta totally hit the spot. It’s got big flavor and zero fuss.

Juicy chicken, tender steak, and pasta all in one saucy BBQ hug. The honey gives it that sweet touch, and the bold BBQ? Total game-changer. One pan, full meal, big taste.

It’s smoky, creamy, and a little sticky in the best way. I love how the pasta soaks up all that bold, sweet heat. It’s a dinner win every single time.

Let me walk you through it. Easy steps, big flavor. You’re gonna want to make this again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All-in-One Pan: Less mess, more flavor. No juggling pots and pans.
• Big, Bold Taste: The honey BBQ sauce brings smoky sweetness that clings to the pasta in the best way.
• Perfect for Meat Lovers: Chicken and steak together? Yep — and it works beautifully.
• Creamy and Cheesy: A smooth, rich sauce wraps around every bite.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

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

Servings: 6 hearty servings (or stretch it to 8 with a side salad or bread)

Difficulty: Beginner-friendly. Simple steps, big reward.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Cutting board and knife
• Tongs or spatula
• Stirring spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater (for cheese, if using block cheddar)

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this bold and creamy one-pan pasta:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 12 oz pasta, penne or rotini both work well
• 1 cup honey BBQ sauce, any brand you like
• 2 cups chicken broth, low-sodium if possible
• 1 cup heavy cream, for that silky finish
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, sharp adds more punch
• 1 tbsp olive oil, for searing
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped green onions, optional garnish for a pop of color

Variations

• Swap the Protein: Use ground beef or chicken sausage if that’s what you have on hand.
• Add Veggies: Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would work well in this pasta.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like heat.
• Make It Smokier: Try adding a little smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.
• Cheese Swap: Use Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different cheesy twist.

How to Make One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Steak Pasta

Let’s break this down into small, easy steps:

1. Prep the Ingredients

Before you turn on the heat, get everything ready.

• Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Slice the flank steak thin — against the grain so it stays tender.
• Chop your onion, mince the garlic, and measure everything out. It makes cooking smoother.

2. Sear the Steak

• Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the steak in a single layer (don’t crowd it) and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
• Remove from the pan and set aside. You want it a bit underdone — it’ll cook more later.

3. Cook the Chicken

• In the same pan, add the other ½ tablespoon of olive oil.
• Toss in the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through — about 5-6 minutes.
• Season with a little salt and pepper.
• Remove and keep it with the steak.

4. Sauté Onion and Garlic

• In that same skillet, toss in the chopped onion. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until soft.
• Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more — just until it smells nice and toasty.

5. Add the Sauce and Pasta

• Stir in the honey BBQ sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Mix well.
• Add the dry pasta straight into the pan. Give it a good stir so everything’s combined.
• Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
• Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked through.

6. Stir in the Meat and Cheese

• Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened a bit, stir in the cooked chicken and steak.
• Add the shredded cheddar cheese.
• Stir gently until the cheese melts and coats everything in that rich, bold sauce.

7. Taste and Adjust

• Taste the pasta. Add more salt or pepper if needed.
• If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of broth or cream can loosen it up.

8. Finish and Garnish

• Turn off the heat.
• Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes — it thickens a little as it sits.
• Sprinkle with chopped green onions for color and freshness, if using.

How to Serve One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Steak Pasta

This pasta is rich and satisfying on its own, but if you want to round it out:

• With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness.
• With Bread: Garlic bread or warm rolls are perfect to scoop up the creamy sauce.
• As a Bowl Meal: Top with sliced avocado, crushed red pepper, or a spoonful of sour cream.
• For a Party: Transfer to a big serving bowl, sprinkle more cheese and scallions on top, and you’re ready.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To Store:

• Place leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

To Reheat:

• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• Add a splash of broth, water, or cream to loosen the sauce while warming.

Freezing:

• This dish isn’t ideal for freezing — the sauce may separate when thawed. Better to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t overcook the steak: A quick sear keeps it juicy. It finishes cooking in the sauce.
• Use short pasta: Penne, rotini, or fusilli hold the sauce well and cook evenly.
• Stir occasionally: This keeps the pasta from sticking to the pan and helps the sauce stay smooth.
• Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning at the end so it’s just right.
• Want it smokier? Add a pinch of smoked paprika or drizzle a little liquid smoke into the sauce.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	580
Protein	38g
Fat	28g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	10g
Sodium	690mg

FAQs About This Recipe

Can I use just chicken or just steak?
Yes. You can use only chicken or only steak if that’s what you prefer or have on hand. Adjust cook time accordingly.

What if I don’t have honey BBQ sauce?
You can mix regular BBQ sauce with a tablespoon of honey. It’ll give you a similar flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can cook the meat and prep the sauce ahead. But for best texture, cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not by default. But you can spice it up with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

What type of cheddar works best?
Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor, but mild works too. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.

Conclusion

This One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Steak Pasta has become one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s creamy, hearty, and full of smoky-sweet flavor that really sticks with you — in the best way. If you’re tired of boring dinners and want something filling without much fuss, this one’s a winner.

Let the sauce bubble, the cheese melt, and dinner will take care of itself.