One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta

Name: One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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

Published: October 6, 2025

by eva

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This One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta is not just another meal; it’s a delightful fusion of flavors that makes dinner a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this dish combines the sweet tang of honey BBQ sauce with rich cream and tender chicken. It’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal cleanup, allowing you to enjoy the moment without fuss.

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Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tools and Preparation
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
Ingredients
How to Make One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Step 3: Stir in Cheese
Step 4: Serve Warm
How to Serve One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta
Casual Family Dinner
Meal Prep Containers
Garnished Plates
Party Platter
In the Kids’ Lunchbox
How to Perfect One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta
Best Side Dishes for One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Freezing One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta
Reheating One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I customize my One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta?
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Can I use different types of pasta?
What should I serve with One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta?
Final Thoughts
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just one pot and 30 minutes, you can serve a hearty meal.
Flavorful Comfort: The combination of honey BBQ sauce and creamy cheddar cheese creates an irresistible taste.
Versatile Dish: Customize it with different proteins or veggies based on your preferences.
Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means less time spent washing dishes.
Perfect for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking this dish even easier. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: A spacious pot allows all ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients gently without scratching your cookware.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent flavor every time you make this recipe.

Ingredients

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

How to Make One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

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 the onion softens.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and honey BBQ sauce.
Add uncooked pasta and ensure everything is well coated.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 10–12 minutes.

Step 3: Stir in Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid has thickened slightly, stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
Let it melt until creamy.

Step 4: Serve Warm

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley for an extra touch of flavor.

With this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll have delicious One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta ready to delight your family or guests in no time!

How to Serve One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta

Serving One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta is a delightful experience. This dish not only looks appealing but also combines flavors that everyone will love. Here are some creative ways to serve this comforting meal.

Casual Family Dinner

Serve directly from the pot for a cozy family meal.
Pair with a side salad for added freshness.

Meal Prep Containers

Divide into meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs before sealing for an extra flavor boost.

Garnished Plates

Plate individual servings and garnish each with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Drizzle a bit more honey BBQ sauce on top for visual appeal.

Party Platter

Serve in a large bowl as part of a buffet-style setup at gatherings.
Accompany with small serving spoons for easy sharing.

In the Kids’ Lunchbox

Pack leftovers in lunchboxes with some veggies on the side.
Include a small container of additional BBQ sauce for dipping.

How to Perfect One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta

To ensure your One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta is perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use high-quality chicken: Opt for fresh or organic chicken for better flavor and texture.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep an eye on the cooking time to maintain the right consistency; it should be al dente.
Adjust the sauce: Feel free to tweak the amount of honey BBQ sauce based on your sweetness preference.
Experiment with cheeses: While cheddar works great, try mixing in mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavors.
Add vegetables: Incorporate spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli during cooking for added nutrition and color.
Store properly: To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Best Side Dishes for One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta

Pairing sides with your One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:

Garlic Bread: A classic choice that complements the creamy pasta perfectly; easy to make by spreading butter and garlic on slices of bread before toasting.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing adds freshness and crunch; add croutons for extra texture.
Roasted Vegetables: Mix seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers, drizzle with olive oil, and roast until tender for a healthy side.
Coleslaw: This tangy salad provides a refreshing contrast to the savory dish; prepare with shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a creamy dressing.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a fun touch; grill or boil it and serve with butter and salt.
Baked Beans: A hearty option that pairs well with BBQ flavors; heat canned beans or make your own from scratch for added depth of flavor.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fries offer a sweet crunch that balances out the savory pasta; bake or fry until golden brown.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit medley can cleanse the palate after this rich meal; use seasonal fruits like berries, melon, and pineapple.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking this One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to keep in mind.

Ignoring ingredient prep: Not measuring or prepping ingredients ahead can lead to chaos. Have everything ready to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can make it mushy. Keep an eye on it and taste for doneness as it simmers.
Using low-quality BBQ sauce: A poor-quality honey BBQ sauce can ruin the dish’s flavor. Choose a brand you love or make your own for the best results.
Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings may result in bland flavors. Always taste and tweak salt and pepper as needed during cooking.
Skipping garnishes: Forgetting fresh herbs can lessen the dish’s appeal. A sprinkle of cilantro or parsley adds freshness and color.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
This dish stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta

Use a freezer-safe container for storage.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil, reheating until warm throughout.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring between each.
Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta.

How can I customize my One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Different types of protein like shrimp or tofu also work well.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep as it stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it convenient for busy days.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes! While penne or fusilli works best, you can substitute any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust cook times accordingly.

What should I serve with One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta?

This dish is hearty enough on its own but pairs nicely with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Pasta is a comforting meal that satisfies cravings without much fuss. Its versatility means you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes—whether by changing proteins, sauces, or adding veggies. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!

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