One Pot Creamy Honey Garlic Chicken Rigatoni

Craving a creamy, flavorful dish that’s easy to make? One Pot Creamy Honey Garlic Chicken Rigatoni is the perfect choice!

This dish combines juicy chicken, sweet honey, savory garlic, and hearty rigatoni, all cooked together in one pot for a rich, comforting meal.

Imagine each bite of rigatoni coated in a creamy, honey garlic sauce, with tender chicken pieces that bring all the flavors together beautifully.

Let’s dive in and make this simple, one-pot meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: One bite, and you’ll be hooked! Many readers have called it their new go-to weeknight dinner.
• Creamy and Flavorful: The honey garlic sauce coats the pasta and chicken perfectly, creating a dish that’s both sweet and savory.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-Pot Wonder: No need to dirty multiple pans. Everything cooks in one pot for easy clean-up.
• Great for Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings:

This recipe makes enough for 4 servings. Want more? Simply double the ingredients for a larger batch.

Difficulty:

This is a simple recipe that even beginners can master! The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this One Pot Creamy Honey Garlic Chicken Rigatoni, you will need:

• A large skillet or Dutch oven
• A spatula or spoon for stirring
• A measuring cup for the broth and cream
• A sharp knife for chopping the chicken and garlic

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this creamy, savory dish together:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced – Lean and tender, perfect for this dish.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – For seasoning the chicken before cooking.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the chicken and creating a flavorful base.

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup chicken broth – Adds savory depth and moisture to the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce creamy and rich.
• 2 tbsp honey – Provides the perfect balance of sweetness to the savory sauce.
• 2 tbsp soy sauce – Adds a touch of umami for a deeper flavor profile.

For Flavor & Seasoning:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic brings a robust, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – Enhances the garlic flavor throughout the sauce.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – For seasoning the sauce and chicken.

For Garnish (optional):

• Chopped green onions or parsley – Adds a fresh, colorful touch to the finished dish.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Honey Garlic Chicken Rigatoni: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken to the pan. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn it!

Next, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, honey, and soy sauce. Stir everything together, scraping up any flavorful bits left on the bottom of the pan from cooking the chicken. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

3. Cook the Pasta

Add the rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce, making sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a simmer again, cover the skillet, and cook the pasta for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta will absorb the sauce and become wonderfully creamy.

Check the pasta for doneness after 10 minutes – it should be tender but still firm to the bite. If needed, you can add a bit more chicken broth or water to ensure there’s enough liquid for the pasta to cook through.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce

Once the pasta is cooked, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes so the chicken can absorb some of the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.

5. Serve and Garnish

Once everything is combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the creamy honey garlic chicken rigatoni to serving plates or bowls.

For the finishing touch, sprinkle with chopped green onions or fresh parsley to add a pop of color and a bit of freshness.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Honey Garlic Chicken Rigatoni

This dish is a perfect standalone meal, but you can also pair it with some delicious sides:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, make a great accompaniment.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pasta.

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Perfect Pasta: Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente, so it holds its shape and doesn’t become too soft when combined with the sauce.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey. For a saltier, umami flavor, add a splash more soy sauce.
• Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat to balance the sweetness of the honey.

Nutrition Information (Optional)

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	510 kcal
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	52g
Fat	18g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	13g

FAQs for One Pot Creamy Honey Garlic Chicken Rigatoni

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes! While rigatoni works wonderfully in this recipe, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of pasta you choose.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Dice the chicken, mince the garlic, and measure out the sauce ingredients, so when you’re ready to cook, everything is ready to go.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. For the chicken broth, make sure to use a dairy-free version, and the recipe will still taste amazing!

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some finely chopped jalapeños to the sauce. Adjust the amount based on how spicy you want it to be.

5. Can I freeze the leftovers?

While it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and then gently reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to the right consistency.

Conclusion

One Pot Creamy Honey Garlic Chicken Rigatoni is the perfect weeknight meal that combines ease, flavor, and comfort. With its creamy, sweet-savory sauce and tender chicken, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The best part? It’s made in just one pot, making clean-up a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping a delicious meal for leftovers, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Try it today, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together in no time!