One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Penne

This one-pan tangy honey BBQ chicken penne is the kind of dinner you pull together when you want something crowd-pleasing with hardly any mess. Picture this tender chicken sizzling until golden, a smoky-sweet sauce bubbling with just the right amount of tang, and pasta soaking in all that goodness. If you love stick-to-your-ribs pasta but dread cleanup, this is the weeknight recipe for you.

When I first made this during a busy week, everyone in my house went back for seconds. The leftovers were even better the next day with a quick skillet reheat.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: for juicy, hearty protein choose plump pieces with no excessive fat
• Uncooked penne pasta: this shape soaks up the sauce and holds its bite look for bronze-cut if possible for better texture
• Honey BBQ sauce: delivers the signature tangy sweetness choose a brand with a short ingredient list
• Olive oil: for searing the chicken extra virgin for the most flavor
• Low-sodium chicken broth: adds savory depth without overpowering salt make sure it’s clear and fresh
• Soy sauce: optional for deeper umami go for low-sodium if you use it
• Smoked paprika: infuses a smoky note try to use the Spanish variety for the best aroma
• Garlic powder: a concentrated hit of garlic flavor ensure it’s fresh and not clumped
• Salt and pepper: to taste freshly cracked always brings more punch
• Optional Garnishes: Chopped parsley gives a fresh green note choose leaves with no yellow spots; Crushed red pepper flakes for heat check freshness for the best kick; Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for melty richness grate your own for better melting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the Oil:

Drizzle olive oil into a large non-stick skillet and let it heat over medium-high until shimmering a good hot pan ensures a golden sear

Sear the Chicken:

Add the chicken pieces to the pan and sprinkle with salt pepper smoked paprika and garlic powder let them cook undisturbed for several minutes to develop brown edges then flip and cook until they are cooked through remove the chicken to a plate

Deglaze the Pan:

Pour chicken broth into the hot skillet scrape up any stuck browned bits with a wooden spoon this step creates a flavorful base for your sauce

Build the Sauce:

Stir in the honey BBQ sauce and soy sauce swirl it to combine keep the sauce at a gentle simmer for two to three minutes to marry all the flavors

Add the Pasta and Simmer:

Pour in the dry penne pasta and add just enough water to barely cover the noodles about one to one and a half cups bring to a simmer cover the skillet and let cook for twelve to fifteen minutes stirring now and then until the pasta is just tender and the sauce is silky

Finish the Dish:

Return the cooked chicken to the pan stir everything well so the pasta and chicken are coated let it simmer another two to three minutes for the flavors to meld

Taste and Serve:

Take the skillet off the heat taste for seasoning add extra salt pepper or a splash of broth if needed finish with your favorites from the garnish list before serving

Save This

You will love the way smoked paprika works its magic in this dish it’s my favorite spice for creating barbecue vibes without the grill When my son asked if I had cooked this on the barbecue it felt like a kitchen win

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The pasta soaks up more flavor overnight making second-day servings taste even better For the best texture reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water

Ingredient Substitutions

No penne No problem Try this with rigatoni fusilli or rotini for the same saucy experience If you are out of chicken broth water with a dash of bouillon also works Swap chicken thighs for breasts if you want leaner protein though thighs bring extra juiciness

Serving Suggestions

This skillet pasta is plenty on its own but it pairs well with a side salad or simple steamed veggies For an extra special meal top each serving with a spoonful of cool Greek yogurt for creaminess

Cultural Context

One-pan pasta dishes are rooted in Italian-American weeknight tradition making big flavor with minimal fuss Honey BBQ brings a Southern American twist turning classic pasta into a comforting hybrid dish

Save This

Common Questions

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs offer extra juiciness, but breasts stay tender if not overcooked.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally during simmering and add enough liquid to just cover the pasta as it cooks.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This meal tastes best fresh but reheats well in the skillet or microwave with a splash of extra broth or water.

→ What other garnishes work well?

Try shredded cheddar, mozzarella, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for added flavor and color.

→ Is this meal suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely; portion out into containers and store in the fridge for up to 3 days for quick lunches or dinners.