One Pot Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta

Craving something sweet, spicy, and super easy? That’s why I made this One Pot Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta. It’s bold, saucy, and full of flavor.

The honey makes it sweet. The garlic adds depth. And that little spicy kick? Oh yeah—it brings it all together.

The chicken gets tender and juicy. The pasta soaks up every drop of that sticky, spicy sauce. It’s one of those meals you just can’t stop eating.

Grab one pot and let’s make dinner the fun way. This one’s fast, tasty, and always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: No juggling pots and pans. Everything comes together in one pot, making clean-up simple.
• Sweet and Spicy Balance: The honey mellows out the heat from sriracha, giving it that craveable sweet-heat profile.
• Family Favorite: It’s easy, filling, and satisfying—perfect for weeknight meals or meal prep.
• Creamy and Saucy: The creamy broth and melted cheese coat every bite of pasta with flavor.
• Quick Yet Impressive: Looks like it took hours, but it’s on the table in under an hour.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

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

Servings: Serves 4–6 people generously.

Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly. You don’t need pro skills—just a good pot and a wooden spoon.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Grater (for cheese, if using block cheddar)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this dish. Exact amounts will be listed in the recipe card at the end.

For the Main Dish:

• Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless, and sliced into bite-sized pieces
• Pasta – Penne or rotini hold sauce well and cook evenly
• Chicken broth – Low-sodium preferred for seasoning control
• Heavy cream – Adds creaminess and richness

For the Sauce:

• Honey – Natural sweetness to balance the spice
• Sriracha – Adjustable heat level; go lighter if you’re spice-sensitive
• Olive oil – For browning the chicken and sautéing
• Garlic – Fresh, minced for full flavor

Seasoning and Garnish:

• Salt and pepper – To taste
• Fresh parsley – Chopped, for a fresh finish
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional) – For extra creaminess and a mild smoky note

Variations for Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Use Shrimp Instead of Chicken: A quick-cooking protein like shrimp changes the vibe—more coastal, still spicy.
• Make It Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty meatless version.
• Swap Sriracha: Try gochujang or chili garlic sauce if you want a different kind of heat.
• Add Veggies: Bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach can all be added to the pot with the pasta for more texture and nutrients.
• Extra Creamy: Add a small scoop of cream cheese at the end for a silkier texture.

How to Make Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and mostly cooked through. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Garlic

In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it burn.

3. Add Sauce Ingredients

Pour in the honey and sriracha, stirring to coat the garlic. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened and bubbly. This forms the sticky, spicy base of the dish.

4. Add Broth, Cream, and Pasta

Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and uncooked pasta. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.

5. Simmer Until Pasta Is Cooked

Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is reduced. If it looks too thick, add a splash of broth or water.

6. Finish with Cheese and Herbs

Turn off the heat. If using, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Top with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Weeknight Dinner: Serve straight from the pot with a side of steamed veggies or garlic bread.
• Meal Prep: Divide into containers and garnish with extra parsley or a squeeze of lime for a fresh lift.
• Family-Style: Let everyone help themselves. It’s saucy and satisfying—great with crusty bread to mop up every drop.

Storing Leftovers

• In the Fridge: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Add a splash of broth or water and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir halfway to heat evenly.
• Freezing Not Recommended: The cream sauce may separate when thawed.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Stir Often While Simmering: This keeps the pasta from sticking to the bottom and helps it cook evenly.
• Watch the Heat: Don’t let the sauce boil too hard after adding the cream—keep it at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Start with less sriracha and taste at the end. You can always add more.
• Pasta Check: If using a different pasta shape, adjust cooking time slightly. Smaller shapes cook faster.
• Layer in Cheese: If using shredded cheddar, add it after turning off the heat so it melts smoothly without clumping.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Estimated)
Calories	580 kcal
Protein	35 g
Carbohydrates	48 g
Fat	28 g
Saturated Fat	12 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	9 g
Sodium	720 mg
Cholesterol	95 mg

Note: Values may vary based on exact ingredients and serving sizes.

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it up to a day in advance. It reheats well if stored properly. Just add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to bring back the creamy texture.

What kind of pasta works best in this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli work best because they hold onto the sauce well. Avoid delicate noodles like angel hair—they’ll overcook too fast in one-pot recipes.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely. If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken will work. Add it after the garlic step to warm it through.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a medium heat level, mostly from the sriracha. You can tone it down by starting with just 1 tablespoon or swap in a milder chili sauce if needed.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free shredded option.

How do I make it more saucy or less thick?

If the pasta soaks up more liquid than you like, just stir in a little extra chicken broth or a touch of warm water before serving.

Conclusion

This One Pot Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes that proves dinner doesn’t need to be complicated to be full of flavor. From the tender chicken to the rich, sweet-heat sauce that clings to every bite of pasta, it checks all the right boxes—quick, comforting, balanced, and low on dishes.

I’ve made this dish dozens of times on busy weeknights, and it never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re serving a family, prepping lunch for the week, or just craving something bold and cozy, this pasta does the trick.

So grab a big spoon, and don’t forget the extra parsley on top. This one’s staying in the regular dinner rotation.