Tender chunks of golden-seared chicken mingle with perfectly cooked penne, all smothered in a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky honey BBQ sauce. This dish brings bold flavor and weeknight ease together in one irresistible skillet. It’s got just the right balance of sweet heat and savory depth to keep every bite exciting.

Ideal for busy evenings or when you need to impress without stress, this one-pan wonder minimizes cleanup while maximizing taste. Whether you serve it straight from the pan or plate it for a casual dinner party, this comforting pasta will be gone before you know it.

Ingredients for One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
1 ½ cups water or chicken broth
¾ cup BBQ sauce (preferably smoky variety)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional: chopped parsley or green onion for garnish

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, then sear for 5–6 minutes until golden on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Deglaze and Simmer Pasta

In the same skillet, pour in the water or chicken broth and bring to a simmer while scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the pan. Stir in the uncooked penne, ensuring it’s evenly submerged in the liquid. Cover and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Add the Sauce Ingredients

Lower the heat to medium. Stir in BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Mix until everything is evenly coated and the sauce begins to bubble.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat. If desired, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh finish. Serve hot directly from the skillet.

Storage Instructions

To keep your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne fresh and flavorful:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a microwave or skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container or bag, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Make Ahead Tip: You can cook the chicken and pasta separately a day in advance and combine with sauce just before serving for optimal texture.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings total):

Calories: 520
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Sugars: 12g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Sodium: 720mg
Fiber: 2g

Note: Values may vary based on BBQ sauce brand and portion size.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

A smoky or hickory-flavored BBQ sauce complements the honey and chicken well. Choose one with a balanced sweet and tangy profile.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely. Fusilli, rotini, or rigatoni work well too. Just adjust cooking time if needed.

How do I make this spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce when mixing the sauce.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken with plant-based protein or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

What should I serve this with?

A simple green salad or roasted veggies make great companions.

Will the pasta get mushy if reheated?

If reheated properly with a splash of liquid, the pasta should stay tender but not mushy.

Can I cook the pasta separately?

You can, but cooking everything in one pan helps the pasta absorb the sauce flavor better and reduces dishes.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet and adjust simmering time slightly if needed.

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Author: Kate Walton
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Description

Sweet, smoky, and savory all in one dish, this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a satisfying meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but flavorful enough to impress. Juicy chicken breast bites are seared and simmered in a rich honey BBQ sauce with tender penne pasta, making it the ultimate one-pan comfort food.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add water or chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the pan to deglaze.
Stir in uncooked penne pasta. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once pasta is tender, reduce heat and stir in BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
Return cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
Remove from heat. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Serve hot directly from the skillet.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: One-pan dinner