You guys, this Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta is just amazing! It’s sweet, garlicky, and packed with juicy chicken. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked.
The honey and garlic come together to make the most delicious sauce. Plus, the pasta soaks it all up—so every bite is full of flavor. It’s so easy to make, too!
I love making this for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. It’s so tasty, and everyone’s gonna ask for seconds. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it all the time!
Let’s cook it up! Grab your chicken, pasta, and honey garlic sauce—I’ll show you how easy it is. You’re gonna love every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-Pleaser: A balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavor that both kids and adults enjoy.
- Weeknight Ready: Comes together in under an hour, making it a smart option for busy nights.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Store in the fridge and reheat—it’s just as good the next day.
- One-Pan Simplicity: Cook everything in one large skillet to save time and clean-up.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings
Serves 4–6 people as a main dish.
Difficulty
Beginner-friendly with simple steps, even if you’re new to cooking.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium pot (for pasta)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Whisk or small bowl (for the sauce)
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful pasta (exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end):
For the Chicken
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for sautéing
For the Sauce
- Fresh garlic (minced)
- Honey
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Chicken broth or water
- Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For the Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine (or any preferred pasta)
- Butter (optional, to toss with pasta)
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Variations for Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta
- Add Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers for a full one-bowl meal.
- Swap Proteins: Try shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari in place of soy sauce and gluten-free pasta.
- Add Crunch: Top with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a creamy twist.
How to Make Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep and Sear the Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add a bit more olive oil if needed.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, but not browned.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, vinegar, and cornstarch.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Cook the Pasta
- While the sauce cooks, boil a medium pot of salted water.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the cooking water.
- Toss the pasta with a little butter (optional) to prevent sticking.
4. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce.
- Stir to coat the chicken with the sauce evenly.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Cook for another minute or two, stirring, until everything is well combined and heated through.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta
This pasta dish is versatile and fits many occasions:
- Family Dinners: Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions.
- Casual Gatherings: Plate in a large serving bowl with tongs for easy sharing.
- For Lunch: Portion leftovers into meal prep containers.
Optional Garnishes
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (if desired)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for a bit of spice)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for extra crunch)
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Cut Even Pieces: Cut chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a deeper, richer flavor than pre-minced options.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Adding a splash of pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and make it silky.
- Adjust Sweetness and Salt: Taste the sauce before combining with pasta and adjust the honey or soy sauce to your liking.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 kcal |
| Protein | ~28g |
| Carbohydrates | ~48g |
| Fat | ~14g |
| Saturated Fat | ~3g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sugar | ~15g |
| Sodium | ~650mg |
Values are approximate and based on typical ingredients.
Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta
Course: pasta recipes4
servings15
minutes30
minutes420
kcalIngredients
1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken (breasts or thighs), cut into pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup honey
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
½ cup chicken broth or water
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
12 oz spaghetti or linguine
2 tablespoons butter (optional)
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Sauté garlic for 30-60 seconds. In a bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, broth, vinegar, and cornstarch. Pour into the skillet and simmer until thickened.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and toss with butter if desired.
- Combine: Add cooked chicken back to the skillet. Toss in pasta, adding pasta water if needed. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or green onions. Enjoy hot.
Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta FAQs
Q: Can I use different pasta shapes?
A: Absolutely. Penne, fettuccine, or rotini all work well. Just adjust the cook time accordingly.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the dish, cool, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?
A: Boneless chicken works best for even cooking. If using bone-in, adjust cook time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Conclusion
Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta is a dish that brings everything together. The balance of savory chicken, rich garlic, and a touch of honey makes every bite satisfying but not overpowering. It’s a simple pasta meal that’s easy enough for busy nights, yet special enough for when you want something comforting and flavorful. This recipe is all about using a few good ingredients, a bit of patience while the sauce thickens, and a moment to sit down and enjoy a bowl of something truly good.