Okay, this pasta is everything. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory—tender chicken, sticky honey BBQ sauce, and garlic all wrapped around pasta. I made it once and now it’s a weekly dinner request.
The chicken is cooked to perfection, coated in a flavorful honey BBQ sauce with just the right amount of heat. The garlic brings an extra depth of flavor, and it all comes together in a pasta dish that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
If you love bold flavors that really hit, this pasta is for you. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, date night, or whenever you’re craving something different and delicious. Trust me, you’ll be scraping the plate clean.
Let’s make this amazing dish together. This sweet spicy garlic honey BBQ chicken pasta is quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to wow your taste buds. You’ll be making it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: Smoky BBQ meets sweet honey, rich cream, and a gentle garlic kick. Every bite is bold yet balanced.
- Creamy and Satisfying: The sauce coats every piece of pasta and chicken, giving you that full, comforting feel without being too heavy.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This is the dish people ask for again. Great for potlucks, cozy dinners, or casual gatherings.
- One-Pan Friendly: Fewer dishes, easier cleanup—especially if you use an oven-safe skillet or deep sauté pan.
- Leftover-Approved: The flavors deepen overnight, making it ideal for reheating during busy weeks.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings:
This recipe serves about 6 people as a main course. You can easily double it for meal prep or gatherings.
Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly. No special techniques required, just basic stovetop cooking and pasta boiling.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium pot (for boiling pasta)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (to drain pasta)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Ingredients for Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish together (exact measurements in recipe card):
Main Ingredients
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken works great for ease and flavor.
- Pasta: Penne or rotini holds the sauce well. Any short pasta shape is fine.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose a bold-flavored one with some smokiness.
- Honey: Adds sweetness that balances the spice.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for best flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a subtle heat—adjust to your liking.
- Heavy Cream: Helps thicken the sauce and add richness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: For savory depth and creamy texture.
Seasonings & Oil
- Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing the garlic and enhancing the flavor base.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, used for seasoning layers as you cook.
Optional Garnish
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and a fresh note.
- Extra Parmesan: Always welcome at the table.
Variations for Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta
- Swap the Protein: Try shredded pork, grilled shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Make It Spicier: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Go Smokier: Use a smoked gouda or chipotle BBQ sauce for deeper flavor.
- Lighten It Up: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be a bit thinner.
- Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, roasted red peppers, or sautéed mushrooms during the final simmer.
How to Make Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta – Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta
Fill a medium pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let the garlic burn.
3. Build the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the BBQ sauce, honey, and heavy cream. Mix until combined and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
4. Add Chicken and Cheese
Add your cooked chicken to the sauce and stir well. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and stir again until melted into the sauce.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is well coated. Let it sit on low heat for a minute or two, stirring occasionally to help the flavors meld.
6. Taste and Adjust
Add salt and pepper to taste. If it’s too thick, loosen with a splash of pasta water or cream. If it’s too sweet, a touch of lemon juice or hot sauce can balance it out.
Serving and Decoration
Serve hot, directly from the skillet or transfer to a large serving bowl. Garnish with:
- A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan on top
- A drizzle of BBQ sauce or honey for presentation (optional)
Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storing Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits—just add a splash of milk or water when reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Freeze: Not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate after thawing.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly firm pasta holds up better once mixed into the sauce.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic: It’s essential to the flavor foundation—fresh is best here.
- Balance the Sauce: Adjust sweetness, spice, and salt before serving.
- Use Good BBQ Sauce: A high-quality sauce makes a big difference. Smoky or spicy varieties work best with honey.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit for 3–5 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to settle and coat the pasta evenly.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 29g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 690mg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients used.
Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey Bbq Chicken Pasta
Course: Chicken Recipes, Dinners, pasta recipes6
servings15
minutes30
minutes520
kcalIngredients
1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced
12 oz penne or rotini pasta
1 cup BBQ sauce
¼ cup honey
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped fresh parsley, extra Parmesan for garnish
Directions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Lower heat. Stir in BBQ sauce, honey, and cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Stir in cooked chicken and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add pasta to the skillet. Toss until fully coated in the sauce.
- Taste & Adjust: Add salt, pepper, or more cream if needed. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day. Just add a splash of cream or milk before reheating.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. It’s a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.
Q: What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Go with something smoky or spicy to balance the honey and garlic—choose your favorite brand with bold flavor.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mildly spicy. You can reduce or increase the red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that the BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
Conclusion
Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta has become one of my go-to meals when I want something fast, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect mashup of savory BBQ, creamy pasta, and just enough spice to keep things interesting. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy, this dish gets the job done—and then some.
