Introduction

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.

The image shows a close-up view of a white plate filled with penne pasta mixed with pieces of chicken. The sauce covering the pasta is a rich orange color with a glossy texture, and you can see small bits of herbs scattered throughout. The chicken pieces are small and coated evenly with the sauce, blending well with the pasta. The overall look is warm and saucy, with a slightly chunky texture from the chicken and herbs. The surface underneath the plate is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: 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: 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: 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: 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: Remove from heat. If desired, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh finish. Serve hot directly from the skillet.

Tips & Variations

A smoky or hickory-flavored BBQ sauce complements the honey and chicken well for best flavor.
Try swapping penne for fusilli, rotini, or rigatoni; just adjust cooking time if needed.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce when stirring in the sauce.
Make it vegetarian by substituting chicken with plant-based protein or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
Cook the chicken and pasta separately ahead of time and combine with sauce just before serving for optimal texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with three layers of penne pasta mixed with small pieces of cooked chicken. The pasta is covered evenly in a glossy, rich orange-brown sauce with visible herbs and bits of seasoning. The chicken pieces are light golden brown and scattered throughout the pasta, adding texture and color contrast. The sauce looks thick and smooth, clinging well to each piece of pasta. The background shows a white marbled texture that highlights the dish's warm tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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 to give it a spicy kick.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken with a plant-based protein or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for a meat-free version.

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.