One Pot Bold Honey chicken pasta has become my go-to solution for those chaotic weeknights when dinner feels like a mountain to climb. Seriously, who has time for endless dishes after a long day? This recipe is an absolute lifesaver because it cooks everything – chicken, pasta, and that irresistible sauce – all in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. You’ll love the creamy, sweet, and savory combination that coats every strand of pasta. It’s an easy one pot honey chicken meal that’s ready in a flash, making it the ultimate quick honey chicken pasta. Let’s dive into this deliciousness and reclaim your evenings!
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious, you’ve found it! This One Pot Bold Honey Chicken Pasta is a game-changer for busy families. It’s the ultimate weeknight wonder, delivering incredible flavor with virtually no fuss.
Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:
- Lightning Fast: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish!
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash.
- Kid-Approved Flavor: The sweet and savory honey BBQ sauce is a hit with everyone.
- Incredibly Easy: This bold honey chicken pasta dish is perfect for beginner cooks.
- Flavorful & Creamy: Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite veggies or protein.
- A Truly Simple Recipe: It’s a simple one pot honey chicken pasta recipe that you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients for One Pot Bold Honey Chicken Pasta
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious One Pot Bold Honey chicken pasta. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process a breeze, ensuring you can whip up this easy meal in no time. You’ll need 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced, which provides the protein base for our dish. Don’t forget 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta – a shape that holds the sauce wonderfully. For the liquid magic, we have 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, which combine to make a rich sauce. The star of the show is 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce, giving our pasta its signature sweet and tangy flavor, reminiscent of a delightful one pot honey garlic chicken pasta. And for that irresistible creamy finish, grab 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. We’ll also use 1/2 cup diced red onion for a little bite, sautéed with 1 tbsp olive oil or butter. Seasonings like 1 tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper are essential to taste. Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish, adds a pop of freshness at the end.
How to Make One Pot Bold Honey Chicken Pasta
Let’s get cooking this incredible One Pot Bold Honey chicken pasta! It’s truly a simple process that rewards you with a fantastic meal.
- Step 1: Start by heating 1 tbsp olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 1/2 cup diced red onion and cook for about 2 minutes until it just begins to soften. Then, add your 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced, along with 1 tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for another 2–3 minutes, just to warm the chicken through and meld the flavors. This initial step builds a delicious foundation for our dish.
- Step 2: Now, it’s time to introduce the liquids and sauce that will transform this into a creamy delight. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and the star of our flavor profile, 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce. Stir everything together well, making sure to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot. This mixture is what makes our one pot sweet and savory honey chicken pasta so irresistible.
- Step 3: Add the 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta directly into the pot. Stir it into the sauce to ensure every piece is coated. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently. Cook for about 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is perfectly al dente – tender but still with a slight bite. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Once the pasta is cooked, remove the lid and stir in the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes wonderfully creamy and luscious. This step brings everything together into a cohesive and comforting meal, truly showing you how to make one pot bold honey chicken pasta that’s restaurant-quality.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve your amazing One Pot Bold Honey chicken pasta hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness. Enjoy this easy and flavorful meal!
Pro Tips for the Best One Pot Bold Honey Chicken Pasta
I’ve made this dish so many times, and I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it absolutely perfect every single time. Follow these tips for a truly amazing One Pot Bold Honey chicken pasta experience.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta finishes cooking in the sauce, it can get mushy easily. Keep a close eye on it during the simmering stage and test for al dente.
- Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut! It’s already tender and flavorful, saving you a step and adding great taste to your bold honey chicken pasta dish.
- Quality BBQ Sauce Matters: The honey BBQ sauce is a key flavor component. Using a sauce you love will elevate the entire dish.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for an extra minute or two after adding the cheese. For a thinner sauce, add a splash more chicken broth.
What’s the secret to perfect One Pot Bold Honey Chicken Pasta?
The real secret to a perfect one pot bold honey chicken meal is balancing the flavors and textures. Ensuring the pasta is cooked just right in the sauce creates that creamy, cohesive dish everyone loves. Don’t skip the cheese stir-in!
Can I make One Pot Bold Honey Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully!
How do I avoid common mistakes with One Pot Bold Honey Chicken Pasta?
A common pitfall is overcooked pasta, so watch it closely. Also, don’t skimp on the seasoning; taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving to ensure a well-balanced flavor profile for your bold honey chicken pasta dish.
Best Ways to Serve One Pot Bold Honey Chicken Pasta
This delicious One Pot Bold Honey chicken pasta is a meal in itself, but a few simple additions can make it even more special. Start by topping each serving with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley – the bright, herbaceous notes cut through the richness beautifully. For a complete meal that feels a bit more elegant, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. If you’re craving something warm and crusty, a side of garlic bread is always a winner and perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. You can also easily incorporate more vegetables, making it a true bold honey chicken pasta with vegetables by stirring in some steamed broccoli florets or sautéed spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutrition Facts for One Pot Bold Honey Chicken Pasta
This One Pot Bold Honey chicken pasta is delicious and satisfying, but it’s good to know what you’re eating. Per serving, this recipe is packed with flavor and provides a good balance of nutrients. It’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used in your preparation of this one pot honey chicken recipe.
How to Store and Reheat One Pot Bold Honey Chicken Pasta
This One Pot Bold Honey chicken pasta is a fantastic candidate for meal prep, making it incredibly convenient for future meals. Once cooked, allow the pasta to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. For refrigerator storage, it will keep well for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for packing as a delicious one pot bold honey chicken dinner for lunch the next day. If you plan to freeze portions, ensure they are in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Gently reheat refrigerated leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems too thick. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings until heated through, stirring halfway.
Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Bold Honey Chicken Pasta
What is a One Pot Bold Honey chicken recipe?
A one pot bold honey chicken recipe is a culinary approach where all ingredients, including the protein, pasta, sauce, and seasonings, are cooked together in a single pot on the stovetop. This method simplifies cooking and significantly cuts down on cleanup, making it incredibly convenient. The “bold honey” aspect refers to the prominent sweet and savory flavor profile, typically from a honey-based sauce like honey BBQ. It’s designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Why use one pot for honey chicken pasta?
Using one pot for your honey chicken pasta is a game-changer for several reasons. Firstly, it drastically reduces the number of dishes you need to wash, which is a huge win after a busy day. Secondly, cooking everything together allows the pasta to absorb all the delicious flavors from the chicken, sauce, and broth, resulting in a more cohesive and deeply flavored dish. This method also tends to cook the pasta perfectly within the sauce, creating a wonderfully creamy texture for your one pot bold honey chicken meal.
Can I make this One Pot Bold Honey Chicken Pasta vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this bold honey chicken pasta dish to be vegetarian! Simply omit the chicken and increase the amount of pasta or add more vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach. You might also consider adding plant-based protein like chickpeas or white beans for substance. The creamy honey BBQ sauce and pasta combination will still be delicious and satisfying without the meat.
What makes this One Pot Bold Honey Chicken Pasta “bold”?
The “bold” in One Pot Bold Honey chicken pasta refers to the intense and distinct flavor profile. It’s not just subtly sweet; the honey BBQ sauce provides a strong, savory, and tangy kick that stands out. This bold flavor is complemented by the creamy texture from the heavy cream and cheddar cheese, creating a memorable and satisfying taste experience that’s far from bland.
Variations of One Pot Bold Honey Chicken Pasta You Can Try
While this One Pot Bold Honey chicken pasta is fantastic as is, I love experimenting with it! Here are a few ways you can switch things up to keep things exciting and cater to different tastes. For those who like a little heat, try making a one pot spicy honey chicken pasta by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. If you’re a garlic lover, you can easily transform this into a one pot honey garlic chicken pasta by sautéing a couple of extra cloves of minced garlic with the onion or adding a teaspoon of garlic paste. For a lighter, vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini, perhaps even some chickpeas for added protein. Another idea is to swap the honey BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile, like a teriyaki or sweet chili sauce, for a whole new taste adventure!
Print
One Pot Bold Honey: 30 Min Deliciousness
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken, creamy cheddar cheese, and sweet honey BBQ sauce, all cooked in a single pot for minimal cleanup. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful dish the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add shredded chicken, diced red onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; cook for 2–3 minutes until onion softens.
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and honey BBQ sauce. Add uncooked pasta and stir to coat well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Notes
- This dish is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
- You can customize this recipe with different proteins or vegetables.
- For best results, use a good quality honey BBQ sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Leave a Reply