One-Pan Tangy Honey Penne

This one-pan tangy honey BBQ chicken penne quickly becomes a weeknight favorite when you want comforting pasta with a twist. Combining tender chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese all cooked in a single skillet keeps things simple without skimping on flavor.

I made this late one evening after a long day and it was so satisfying it became part of our regular dinner rotation.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: cut into bite-sized pieces for quick even cooking and tenderness
• Olive oil: to brown the chicken adding a rich base flavor
• BBQ sauce: provides that smoky tang classic to the dish choose a brand you enjoy for best results
• Honey: adds a smooth natural sweetness balancing the tang from vinegar and mustard
• Apple cider vinegar: brightens the sauce with a sharp kick enhancing all flavors
• Dijon mustard: adds subtle depth and a hint of spice
• Garlic powder: for warmth and aromatic backbone
• Smoked paprika: contributes a gentle smoky note you can substitute regular paprika if needed
• Chicken broth: ensures the pasta cooks in flavorful liquid absorbing the richness of the sauce
• Penne pasta: absorbs sauce well due to its ridged tube shape choose good quality to prevent mushiness
• Mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully bringing creamy gooey texture
• Parmesan cheese: adds a sharp nutty finish
• Fresh parsley garnish: freshens and adds color just before serving

Instructions

Build Flavor Base:

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper evenly this is key for seasoning every bite. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering then carefully add chicken. Cook without overcrowding and turn occasionally until browned on all sides about five to six minutes which locks in moisture and adds golden flavor. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Make The Sauce:

In the same pan leave a bit of those browned bits they hold flavor. Add BBQ sauce honey apple cider vinegar Dijon mustard garlic powder and smoked paprika. Stir everything well so all components combine into a thick sauce. Bring it just to a simmer over medium heat to meld the flavors together.

Cook Pasta In Sauce:

Pour in chicken broth and add the uncooked penne making sure pasta is fully submerged for even cooking. Increase heat to bring to a boil then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan to trap steam and cook for ten to twelve minutes stirring occasionally so pasta cooks through but remains firm to the tooth and the sauce thickens as liquid reduces.

Finish With Chicken And Cheese:

Return the browned chicken into the skillet stirring so it coats evenly with sauce and pasta. Cook for an extra two to three minutes to ensure chicken is fully cooked through. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top and cover pan until cheese melts about two minutes. This adds a luscious creamy layer connecting all elements.

Garnish And Serve:

Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley for brightness and a pop of green that brings freshness to the plate. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

My favorite ingredient here is the smoked paprika it quietly enhances the BBQ sauce adding a subtle complexity I learned the hard way never to skip it or the dish feels flat. This recipe became a milestone in my kitchen because my kids loved how the cheese melted and the sauce was just sweet enough without overwhelming the savory notes.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat adding a splash of broth if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving too long to preserve the creamy cheese texture.

Ingredient Swaps

Chicken thighs work well for a juicier outcome though cooking time may increase slightly. If you prefer gluten free use your favorite pasta alternative adjusting cooking time as needed. For a vegan version swap chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas and use dairy-free cheese options.

Serving Ideas

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette for balance. Garlic bread made with crusty loaf complements this dish wonderfully soaking up extra sauce. A side of steamed or roasted seasonal veggies keeps the meal vibrant and nutritious.

This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights adding a flavorful twist to classic chicken pasta dishes.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How do I prevent the penne from sticking during cooking?

Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Using enough chicken broth helps the pasta cook evenly.

→ Can I use different types of pasta for this dish?

Yes, short pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli work well, but adjust cooking time as needed since pasta sizes differ.

→ What gives the sauce its tangy flavor?

The combination of honey, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard creates a balanced tangy and sweet flavor profile.

→ How can I add some heat to the dish?

Include a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the sauce ingredients to introduce a mild spicy kick.

→ What’s the best way to melt the cheese evenly?

Cover the pan for a couple of minutes after sprinkling the mozzarella and Parmesan to allow gentle steam melting and even coverage.