One Pot Creamy Honey Bbq Chicken Pasta

Looking for a meal that’s sweet, savory, and super easy? One Pot Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta is just what you need!

This dish combines tender chicken, creamy pasta, and a sweet yet smoky honey BBQ sauce, all cooked together in one pot for a hassle-free, delicious dinner.

Picture each bite of pasta perfectly coated in a rich, creamy honey BBQ sauce, with juicy pieces of chicken in every mouthful.

Let’s dive into this one-pot wonder and create a comforting, flavorful meal that’ll quickly become a weeknight favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy + BBQ Goodness: The honey BBQ sauce blends beautifully with cream and cheese for a rich, sweet-savory flavor.
• One Pot Wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor. Everything cooks in a single pot.
• Family Approved: Kids love the creamy texture, and adults appreciate the balance of smoky and sweet.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well and reheats without drying out.
• Easy to Customize: You can swap the chicken, pasta, or cheese depending on what’s in your fridge.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: About 6 servings (depending on portion size)
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly

You don’t need any fancy techniques—just basic cooking skills and one deep pan or pot.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
• Cutting board & knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Cheese grater (if using block cheese)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful one-pot pasta:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked chicken – shredded or diced
• 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta – holds onto the sauce well

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups chicken broth – brings depth and helps cook the pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream – creates a smooth, rich base
• ½ cup honey BBQ sauce – adds that smoky-sweet signature flavor

For Creaminess & Flavor:

• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese – bold and tangy
• ¼ cup cream cheese – makes the sauce extra silky
• 1 tbsp olive oil – helps flavor the chicken if sautéed fresh
• 1 tsp garlic powder – subtle background flavor
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

How to Make One Pot Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, shred or dice it into bite-size pieces. If cooking fresh chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, then sauté in olive oil over medium heat until cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, add the pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally, letting the pasta cook until al dente (about 10–12 minutes). Most of the liquid should be absorbed, leaving a thick base.

Step 3: Stir in the Flavors

Once the pasta is tender, stir in the honey BBQ sauce, cooked chicken, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat everything evenly.

Variations for One Pot Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta

• Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in baby spinach, diced bell peppers, or steamed broccoli during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Different Cheese: Swap sharp cheddar for smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Protein Swap: Use shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even sausage instead of cooked chicken.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and adjust cook time slightly.

Serving and Decoration

This dish is cozy and rich on its own, but here are a few ways to serve it up nicely:

• Top with chopped parsley or cilantro for color and freshness.
• Add a sprinkle of extra cheese before serving, especially if you love it gooey.
• Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness.
• Garlic bread or crusty rolls pair well if you want something to scoop up that creamy sauce.

How to Store and Reheat

This pasta holds up well for leftovers, making it a solid choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until hot.
• Freezing: Not recommended—cream-based sauces tend to separate when thawed.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Stir often while the pasta cooks to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom.
• Use freshly grated cheese if possible—it melts better and adds more flavor than pre-shredded.
• Don’t overcook the pasta. Remove from heat once it’s just al dente—carryover heat will finish the job.
• Adjust seasoning at the end. The BBQ sauce adds salt and sweetness, so always taste before adding more salt.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a general estimate based on 6 servings. Exact values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	~540 kcal
Protein	~30 g
Carbohydrates	~45 g
Total Fat	~25 g
Saturated Fat	~12 g
Fiber	~2 g
Sugar	~9 g
Sodium	~600 mg
Cholesterol	~95 mg

Chili Lime Chicken FAQs (adapted to BBQ Chicken Pasta)

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Store in the fridge and reheat with a little broth or milk.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. It’s a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Consider adding a little more cream cheese to thicken it.

Can I freeze this pasta?
I don’t recommend it—cream-based sauces often separate after thawing.

What pasta works best?
Short, sturdy shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the sauce well.

Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta is one of those cozy meals that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want leftovers that actually taste good, this one’s worth keeping in your rotation.