One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is the kind of dinner that makes a busy evening feel easier the moment it starts bubbling on the stove. It brings together tender chicken, smoky-sweet BBQ sauce, honey, pasta, broth, and melted cheese in one skillet, giving you a hearty meal without a sink full of dishes.

There is something comforting about pasta cooking right in the sauce. As the penne softens, it absorbs the sweet and tangy BBQ mixture, turning every piece into something flavorful from the inside out.

This recipe has that familiar weeknight magic families rely on. The chicken browns first, the sauce comes together quickly, the pasta cooks in the same pan, and the cheese melts in at the end for a creamy, gooey finish.

The flavor is bold but friendly. BBQ sauce brings smokiness, honey adds sweetness, apple cider vinegar adds tang, Dijon mustard gives depth, garlic powder adds savory flavor, and smoked paprika makes everything feel warmer.

It is especially lovely on crisp autumn evenings, when you want something satisfying but not complicated. Still, it works in any season because it is quick, filling, and easy to serve straight from the skillet.

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is ready in just 30 minutes, making it a strong choice for weeknight dinners, meal prep, family meals, or casual comfort food. It is simple enough for everyday cooking but flavorful enough to feel like a dish people will remember.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

This dish is ready in just 30 minutes. That makes it perfect for nights when everyone is hungry and dinner needs to happen quickly.

Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is minimal. The chicken, sauce, pasta, broth, and cheese all come together in the same skillet.

The flavor is family-friendly. Kids and adults can both enjoy the sweet, tangy, smoky, cheesy combination.

It works for weeknight dinners and meal prep. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

It is freezer-friendly, so you can make a double batch and save some for later. The dish can be frozen for about 2 months.

It is also versatile. You can use rotisserie chicken, add vegetables, make it spicy, use gluten-free penne, reduce the cheese, or make it dairy-free.

Recipe Details

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is cooked in a large skillet on the stovetop. The recipe starts over medium heat with olive oil and bite-sized chicken pieces.

The total time is about 30 minutes. The chicken cooks for about 5 to 7 minutes before the sauce and pasta are added.

The chicken should be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. It is cooked until browned and cooked through, with no pink inside.

The sauce uses BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. The sauce should be stirred until well combined.

Chicken broth is added directly to the skillet. Low-sodium chicken broth is mentioned as a great option.

The penne cooks in the skillet with the broth and sauce. It simmers covered for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.

The mixture may look a little runny while the pasta cooks. It will thicken as the pasta absorbs the liquid.

At the end, shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese are stirred in until melted and gooey. Chopped fresh parsley finishes the dish with color and freshness.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Pasta

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium is a great option)
• 12 oz penne pasta (gluten-free penne works too!)

For the Tangy Honey BBQ Sauce

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand works best; I love a good smoky flavor)
• ½ cup honey (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Cheesy Finish

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep the recipe simple and easy to cut into bite-sized pieces. Cutting the chicken small helps it cook quickly.

Salt and pepper season the chicken before it goes into the skillet. This helps the chicken taste good before the sauce is added.

Olive oil is used to cook the chicken. It helps the chicken brown in the hot skillet.

BBQ sauce gives the dish its smoky, tangy base. Your favorite brand works best, especially if you enjoy a good smoky flavor.

Honey adds sweetness to balance the BBQ sauce and vinegar. The amount can be adjusted based on your sweetness preference.

Apple cider vinegar brings tang to the sauce. It keeps the honey and BBQ sauce from tasting too heavy.

Dijon mustard gives the sauce more depth. It blends into the sweet and tangy flavor without making the dish complicated.

Garlic powder adds savory flavor. Smoked paprika brings a warm, smoky note.

Chicken broth cooks the pasta directly in the skillet. Low-sodium chicken broth is a great option.

Penne pasta works well because it holds the sauce. Gluten-free penne can also be used.

Mozzarella cheese melts into the pasta and makes it gooey. Parmesan adds a savory finish.

Chopped fresh parsley adds color and freshness. It makes the final skillet look brighter.

Optional Swaps, Variations, Add-Ins, and Serving Ideas

Rotisserie Chicken BBQ Penne

Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch. This makes the meal even quicker.

Add the shredded chicken into the skillet with the sauce and pasta. It is a useful shortcut for busy nights.

Bell Pepper BBQ Chicken Penne

Add bell peppers for extra nutrition and color. They bring sweetness and a fresh vegetable element.

This variation makes the pasta look brighter. It is a good option when you want more color in the skillet.

Zucchini BBQ Chicken Penne

Zucchini can also be added as a seasonal vegetable. It brings softness and extra nutrition.

This works well when you want the dish to feel a little lighter. The BBQ sauce still keeps the flavor bold.

Whole Wheat Penne Version

Use whole wheat penne for a lighter version. This changes the pasta flavor and texture.

You can also reduce the cheese. The dish will still have the honey BBQ sauce as the main flavor.

Spicy Honey BBQ Penne

Add 1 teaspoon chili powder to the sauce for a spicy twist. This gives the dish more warmth.

Hot sauce can also be added. Use it if you want a sharper heat.

Dairy-Free BBQ Chicken Penne

Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. This creates a dairy-free direction for the recipe.

The dish will not have the same melted cheesy finish. The sauce will still be sweet, tangy, and flavorful.

Gluten-Free Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Use gluten-free penne or another gluten-free pasta of your choice. Make sure the BBQ sauce and chicken broth are labeled gluten-free.

This keeps the recipe aligned for gluten-free needs. Watch the pasta because gluten-free shapes may cook differently.

Firm Tofu BBQ Penne

Substitute the chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian option. This changes the protein while keeping the sauce and pasta idea.

The texture will be different from chicken. The honey BBQ sauce still brings the main flavor.

Crunchy Topping

Add toasted nuts or seeds as a topping for added crunch. This gives contrast to the soft pasta and melted cheese.

If making the dish nut-free, check that the sauces do not contain hidden nuts. Ingredient labels matter.

Salad Pairing

Serve the pasta with a side salad. The freshness balances the sweet and cheesy skillet.

A salad makes the meal feel more complete. It is an easy side for weeknights.

Crusty Bread Pairing

Crusty bread is a great side for soaking up the sauce. It pairs well with the BBQ flavor.

This is a comforting option for family dinners. The bread helps capture every bit of sauce.

Extra Cheese Finish

Sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving if you have cheese lovers at the table. This makes the skillet even more indulgent.

The extra cheese melts into the hot pasta. It gives the dish a richer finish.

Why This Recipe Works

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne works because the pasta cooks directly in the sauce and broth. Instead of boiling pasta separately, the penne absorbs the chicken broth and BBQ mixture as it softens.

The chicken is cooked first so it has flavor and color before the sauce is added. Seasoning it with salt and pepper gives the base of the dish more depth.

The sauce has balance. BBQ sauce is smoky and tangy, honey is sweet, apple cider vinegar is sharp, Dijon mustard is bold, garlic powder is savory, and smoked paprika adds warmth.

The broth gives the pasta enough liquid to cook. As the pasta absorbs the liquid, the skillet thickens naturally.

Mozzarella melts into the final dish for a gooey texture. Parmesan adds savory flavor that makes the pasta taste more finished.

The fresh parsley garnish adds color at the end. It keeps the rich skillet from looking too heavy.

Directions

Step 1: Set Out a Large Skillet

Grab a large skillet and place it on the stove. Make sure it is roomy enough to hold the chicken, sauce, broth, pasta, and cheese.

This recipe cooks in one pan, so the skillet needs enough space. A crowded pan can make stirring harder once the pasta is added.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Turn the heat to medium. Let the skillet warm for a moment before adding the oil.

A warm skillet helps the chicken begin cooking properly. It also helps the olive oil spread across the bottom.

Step 3: Add the Olive Oil

Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Let it heat for about a minute.

The oil should look nice and shimmery. That shimmer means the skillet is ready for the chicken.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken

Cut 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Keep the pieces fairly even so they cook at the same pace.

Smaller pieces help the dish come together quickly. They also make the finished pasta easy to eat.

Step 5: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to taste. Do not skip this step.

The chicken needs seasoning before the sauce is added. Salt and pepper help bring out the flavor.

Step 6: Add the Chicken to the Skillet

Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet. Spread it out so the pieces can cook evenly.

The chicken should begin to sizzle when it hits the pan. Stir occasionally as it cooks.

Step 7: Brown the Chicken

Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally so all sides get contact with the hot pan.

The chicken should brown and cook through. This step builds the base flavor of the dish.

Step 8: Check the Chicken for Doneness

Cut into one piece of chicken to check it. There should be no pink inside.

Once the chicken is cooked through, keep it in the skillet. The sauce will be added right on top.

Step 9: Add the BBQ Sauce

Pour 1 cup BBQ sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Use your favorite brand.

A smoky BBQ sauce gives the dish a deeper flavor. Stir gently so the chicken starts getting coated.

Step 10: Add the Honey

Add ½ cup honey to the skillet. Adjust the honey based on your sweetness preference.

The honey softens the tang of the BBQ sauce. It also makes the sauce glossy.

Step 11: Add the Apple Cider Vinegar

Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. This gives the sauce tang.

The vinegar keeps the sweetness balanced. It helps make the sauce taste brighter.

Step 12: Add the Dijon Mustard

Add 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Stir it into the sauce.

Dijon mustard adds depth. It makes the honey BBQ sauce taste more layered.

Step 13: Add Garlic Powder

Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon garlic powder. This gives the sauce savory flavor.

Garlic powder blends easily into the sauce. Stir well so it does not stay in one spot.

Step 14: Add Smoked Paprika

Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. This brings warmth and smoky flavor.

Smoked paprika works especially well with BBQ sauce. It makes the dish taste richer.

Step 15: Stir the Sauce

Stir everything together until well combined. The chicken should be coated in the sweet, tangy sauce.

The sauce should look glossy and evenly mixed. Make sure no mustard or spices are sitting unmixed.

Step 16: Add the Chicken Broth

Pour in 3 cups chicken broth. Low-sodium chicken broth is a great option.

The broth gives the pasta the liquid it needs to cook. It also helps loosen the sauce.

Step 17: Bring to a Gentle Boil

Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally as it heats.

A gentle boil means the liquid is active but not wildly splashing. This prepares the skillet for the pasta.

Step 18: Add the Penne Pasta

Add 12 oz penne pasta to the skillet. Stir well so the pasta is coated with the sauce and broth.

The pasta should be mostly surrounded by liquid. This helps it cook evenly.

Step 19: Reduce the Heat

Reduce the heat to a simmer. The mixture should bubble gently.

This slower cooking helps the pasta soften without drying out too quickly. Keep the skillet controlled.

Step 20: Cover the Skillet

Cover the skillet with a lid. This traps heat and helps the pasta cook.

The covered simmer is important. It helps the penne become tender in the sauce.

Step 21: Simmer the Pasta

Let the pasta cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally so the pasta does not stick.

The pasta should become tender as it absorbs the liquid. Keep an eye on the skillet as it cooks.

Step 22: Watch the Sauce Texture

Do not worry if the mixture looks a little runny while it cooks. It will thicken as the pasta absorbs the liquid.

Stirring occasionally helps the sauce coat the pasta. The skillet should become thicker near the end.

Step 23: Check the Pasta

Taste or check the penne for tenderness. It should be cooked through and coated in sauce.

If needed, give it another moment while watching the liquid level. Different pasta shapes can require slight adjustments.

Step 24: Add the Mozzarella

Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. The heat from the skillet will help it melt.

Mozzarella makes the pasta gooey. Stir until it begins blending into the sauce.

Step 25: Add the Parmesan

Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it into the pasta.

Parmesan brings savory flavor and helps finish the dish. It balances the sweet BBQ sauce.

Step 26: Stir Until Melted

Continue stirring until the cheeses are melted and gooey. The sauce should cling to the pasta.

The dish should look creamy, cheesy, and thickened. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed.

Step 27: Garnish with Parsley

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. This adds a pop of color and freshness.

Parsley makes the skillet look brighter. It also gives a fresh finish to the rich pasta.

Step 28: Serve Hot

Serve the pasta hot from the skillet. Scoop generous portions so each serving gets chicken, pasta, sauce, and cheese.

Add extra cheese on top if desired. Serve with salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Serving Ideas

Serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne hot from the skillet. The sauce is best when warm, glossy, and coating every piece of pasta.

A side salad makes a fresh companion. It balances the sweet, tangy, cheesy richness of the skillet.

Crusty bread is another great choice. It helps soak up the extra sauce left on the plate.

For cheese lovers, sprinkle extra cheese over the top before serving. The heat from the pasta will soften it.

This dish is great for weeknight dinners because it is fast and filling. It also works well for meal prep because leftovers reheat nicely with a splash of broth.

Serve it during crisp autumn evenings, busy school nights, or casual family meals. It has the cozy feeling of comfort food with the ease of one-pan cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the pasta cool before sealing it.

The pasta may continue absorbing sauce as it sits. Adding a splash of chicken broth when reheating helps keep it moist.

Freezing

To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container.

It should keep well for about 2 months. This makes it a helpful make-ahead meal for a rainy day.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep the pasta moist.

Stir as it warms so the sauce loosens evenly. Heat until the chicken and pasta are warmed through.

Make-Ahead

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is freezer-friendly and works well for meal prep. You can make a double batch and save half for later.

Cool the dish completely before freezing. Store it in a freezer-safe container for about 2 months.

When ready to enjoy, reheat it gently with a splash of chicken broth. This helps bring back the saucy texture.

Helpful Notes for Best Results

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces so it cooks quickly. Try to keep the pieces similar in size.

Season the chicken well with salt and pepper before cooking. This keeps the chicken from tasting plain under the sauce.

Heat the olive oil until shimmery before adding the chicken. This helps the chicken brown.

Cook the chicken until there is no pink inside. This is the doneness check provided in the recipe.

Stir the sauce ingredients well before adding the broth and pasta. The BBQ sauce, honey, vinegar, mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika should be fully combined.

Do not panic if the pasta mixture looks runny while simmering. It thickens as the pasta absorbs the liquid.

If you are out of chicken broth, water works in a pinch, though it may lack flavor. For nut-free needs, make sure the sauces you use do not contain hidden nuts.

Adjust the honey based on your sweetness preference. A little goes a long way.

Variations

Rotisserie Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Use shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal. This saves time on cooking the chicken.

Add it to the skillet with the sauce. It is a useful shortcut for busy evenings.

Bell Pepper Chicken Penne

Add bell peppers for extra nutrition and color. They brighten the skillet.

Bell peppers work well with BBQ sauce. They make the dish feel more colorful.

Zucchini Chicken Penne

Add zucchini for another seasonal vegetable option. It brings freshness to the pasta.

This variation is a nice way to add more produce. The sauce still stays sweet and tangy.

Whole Wheat Penne Version

Use whole wheat penne for a lighter version. Reduce the cheese if desired.

This changes the texture and flavor. The honey BBQ sauce remains the main focus.

Spicy BBQ Chicken Penne

Add 1 teaspoon chili powder or hot sauce to the sauce. This gives the dish a spicy twist.

The heat works well with the honey and BBQ sauce. Use this variation when you want more kick.

Dairy-Free BBQ Chicken Penne

Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. This creates a dairy-free version.

The dish will taste less creamy without cheese. The BBQ sauce still gives plenty of flavor.

Gluten-Free BBQ Chicken Penne

Use gluten-free penne or another gluten-free pasta shape. Make sure the BBQ sauce and chicken broth are also labeled gluten-free.

Cooking times may change depending on the pasta. Keep an eye on tenderness.

Firm Tofu BBQ Penne

Use firm tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian option. This changes the texture and protein.

The sauce and pasta method stay similar. It is a flexible meatless direction.

Crunchy BBQ Penne

Top the finished dish with toasted nuts or seeds for added crunch. This brings texture to the soft pasta.

If making it nut-free, check sauces for hidden nuts. Skip nut toppings when needed.

Maple BBQ Penne

Use maple syrup instead of honey. This provides similar sweetness but changes the flavor slightly.

Maple gives the dish a different warm note. It works with BBQ sauce and smoked paprika.

Agave BBQ Penne

Agave syrup can also replace honey. It gives sweetness with a slightly different flavor.

This is a helpful substitute if honey is not available. The sauce will still be sweet and tangy.

Brown Sugar BBQ Penne

Brown sugar mixed with a little water can be used as another honey substitute. This gives a different twist.

The flavor will change, but it still adds sweetness. Use it when that is what you have.

Different Pasta Shape

Use rotini, fusilli, spaghetti, or another pasta shape if needed. Penne is ideal here, but other shapes can work.

Watch the cooking time closely. Different shapes may need slight adjustments.

Troubleshooting

The Chicken Is Not Browning

Make sure the skillet and oil are hot before adding the chicken. The oil should look shimmery.

Do not stir constantly. Let the chicken touch the pan long enough to brown.

The Chicken Is Still Pink

Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cut into a piece to check.

There should be no pink inside. Continue cooking if needed before moving on.

The Sauce Tastes Too Sweet

Adjust the amount of honey based on your sweetness preference. A little goes a long way.

Apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard help balance the sweetness. Stir well so the sauce tastes even.

The Sauce Needs More Tang

The recipe includes apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard for tang. Make sure both are added.

If using a sweeter BBQ sauce, the dish may taste sweeter overall. Choose your favorite brand based on your preferred flavor.

The Pasta Looks Too Runny

Do not worry if it looks runny at first. It will thicken as the pasta absorbs the liquid.

Continue simmering covered and stirring occasionally. The sauce should become thicker near the end.

The Pasta Sticks to the Pan

Stir occasionally while the pasta simmers. This helps prevent sticking.

Make sure the pasta is coated in sauce and broth. Covered simmering helps it cook evenly.

The Pasta Is Not Tender

Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, then check the pasta. If it is not tender, continue briefly while watching the liquid.

Different pasta shapes may require slight adjustments. Gluten-free pasta may also behave differently.

The Leftovers Seem Dry

Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating. This helps keep the pasta moist.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir as it warms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

Yes, this dish can be frozen. Let it cool completely first.

Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for about 2 months.

How should I reheat it after freezing?

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

Stir as it reheats. Warm until the pasta and chicken are heated through.

What can I substitute for honey?

Maple syrup or agave syrup can be used as a substitute. Both provide similar sweetness, though the flavor may change slightly.

Brown sugar mixed with a little water can also be used for a different twist. Adjust sweetness based on your preference.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free penne or any gluten-free pasta of your choice. Make sure the BBQ sauce and chicken broth are labeled gluten-free.

Watch the pasta as it cooks. Different gluten-free pasta shapes may need slight adjustments.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta shapes such as rotini, fusilli, or spaghetti. Penne works especially well, but other shapes can still be delicious.

Keep an eye on cooking times. Different shapes may cook faster or slower.

How long does the dish last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating if needed. This helps keep the pasta moist.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. This removes the classic melted cheese finish but keeps the honey BBQ pasta flavor.

Make sure any dairy-free products fit your needs. The sauce will taste different depending on the substitute.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Firm tofu can be used instead of chicken. This creates a vegetarian option.

The texture will change, but the sauce and pasta method can still work. Use the same honey BBQ flavor base.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne works so well because the pasta cooks in the same pan as the sauce. That means the penne absorbs chicken broth, BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika as it becomes tender.

The chicken is browned first, giving the dish a savory base. Salt and pepper help the chicken taste good before it is coated in sauce.

The sauce has a strong balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. Honey sweetens it, vinegar brightens it, mustard sharpens it, and smoked paprika deepens it.

The broth gives the pasta enough liquid to cook directly in the skillet. As the pasta absorbs the liquid, the sauce thickens naturally.

The cheeses finish the dish with a gooey, savory texture. Mozzarella melts into the pasta, and Parmesan gives it a more flavorful finish.

The recipe is also flexible enough for many kitchens. Rotisserie chicken, bell peppers, zucchini, whole wheat penne, chili powder, hot sauce, dairy-free cheese, gluten-free pasta, firm tofu, toasted nuts or seeds, maple syrup, agave syrup, brown sugar, rotini, fusilli, and spaghetti all give you ways to adapt it.

Final Thoughts

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a quick, hearty skillet dinner made with bite-sized chicken, BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chicken broth, penne pasta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley. It is sweet, tangy, smoky, cheesy, and ready in about 30 minutes.

Serve it hot with a salad, crusty bread, or extra cheese, and save leftovers for easy lunches or freezer meals. With one pan, bold flavor, and minimal cleanup, this pasta brings weeknight comfort to the table in the easiest possible way.

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One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Sweet, tangy, cheesy, and comforting, this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne combines tender chicken pieces, penne pasta, BBQ sauce, honey, chicken broth, and melted cheeses in one skillet. It is a flavorful American dinner for busy nights when you want a warm pasta meal with smoky barbecue flavor and a creamy cheese finish.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Course: Dinner
• Cuisine: American
• Servings: 4 people
• Calories: 550 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients

For the Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

For the Pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth

For the Sauce

• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• ½ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through. Stir as needed so the bite-sized pieces cook evenly.

Step 3: Add the BBQ Sauce Mixture

Add BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the penne pasta and stir.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is tender.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheeses

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted. The sauce should coat the pasta and chicken.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne warm, right after the mozzarella and Parmesan have melted into the pasta. The BBQ sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika give the dish a sweet, tangy, and savory flavor.

This pasta works well as a weeknight dinner because everything comes together in one large skillet. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a simple fresh finish.

Storage

How to Store

The recipe does not provide specific storage instructions or storage duration, so no exact storage time is added here.

Best Texture Tip

Serve the pasta after it has simmered until tender and the cheeses have melted into the sauce. This keeps the penne coated and the chicken warm.

Sweetness Tip

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste, exactly as noted. No alternate quantity is provided, so no specific amount is added here.

One-Pan Tip

Use the large skillet to cook the chicken, sauce, broth, pasta, and cheeses together. This preserves the one-pan method and keeps the meal simple.