When I think of comfort food recipes, my mind drifts to bubbling pasta dishes that warm the soul. This one pan wonder has everything going for it – tender chicken, smoky honey bbq sauce, and plenty of penne. It’s the kind of meal that comes together fast and makes the kitchen smell amazing. I like how the honey bbq sauce recipe clings to the pasta, giving each bite that sweet tang. And let’s be honest, one pan recipes are a lifesaver on busy nights. You cook, you eat, and you only clean one pan. Who doesn’t want that little victory at the end of the day? If you love One Pan Vegetarian Meals, penne recipes, or crave easy BBQ meals, this dish is your new go-to. It fits right in with One Pan Pasta Recipes, and once you taste it, you’ll probably want to keep it on repeat.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe
3) Ingredients for One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
4) How to Make One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
5) Tips for Making One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
6) Making One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

A one pan pasta that doubles as comfort food recipes for busy nights.
Sweet honey bbq sauce blends with smoky chicken and tender penne.
Cheesy topping and easy cleanup make it a family favorite.
Pairs well with fresh parsley for brightness at the table.

2) Easy One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe

I like to think of this dish as the answer to those nights when you’re tired but you still want something real. Comfort food recipes don’t always need hours or piles of pots. This one cooks in one deep pan, which means dinner feels possible even when energy is low. I’ve had nights where the only thing standing between me and a sandwich was this exact recipe, and it saved the day.

The sauce comes together fast, coating the pasta with that sweet tang from honey bbq. The chicken soaks in all that smoky flavor while it cooks, and the penne turns tender right in the broth. By the time you sprinkle mozzarella across the top, the kitchen already smells like someone worked hard when really, we just stirred a few things and let the pan do the heavy lifting.

When I shared this recipe with friends, someone actually asked if I spent hours on it. I laughed because the truth is, it took barely thirty minutes. That’s the kind of small win we all deserve midweek.

3) Ingredients for One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Olive Oil: A couple tablespoons warm the pan and give the chicken a golden edge. I use extra virgin most of the time, but any decent olive oil does the trick here.

Chicken Breast: Cut into cubes, it cooks quickly and soaks up the smoky paprika and sauce. I’ve swapped in thighs before, and they add even more flavor.

Smoked Paprika: A teaspoon adds that backyard grill taste even when you’re indoors. Without it, the chicken feels a little flat.

Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasoning that wakes everything up. I keep it light at the start and adjust at the end after tasting.

Chicken Broth: Three cups give the pasta its liquid to cook in, and the starch from the penne thickens it into a sauce. Homemade broth makes it richer, but boxed broth works fine too.

Honey BBQ Sauce: A cup and a half brings the sweet tang. It clings to the pasta and turns the dish into pure comfort. If you’ve got a homemade honey bbq sauce recipe you love, use it here.

Penne Pasta: One pound cooks right in the pan. I like penne because the ridges grab the sauce, but rotini or rigatoni would hold up just as well.

Mozzarella Cheese: A cup melted on top makes the dish feel cozy. The cheese stretches with every forkful, which is the real fun part.

Fresh Parsley: A handful chopped over the top adds color and a fresh bite. It cuts through the richness in the best way.

4) How to Make One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Step 1. Warm the olive oil in a deep skillet. When it shimmers, add the chicken cubes and sprinkle them with paprika, salt, and pepper. Let them brown on all sides. Don’t rush this part, because those brown bits give flavor to the sauce.

Step 2. Pour in the chicken broth and honey bbq sauce. Stir well to lift those bits from the bottom of the pan. The sauce starts to bubble and smell smoky sweet.

Step 3. Add the uncooked penne. Push it down into the liquid so every piece has a chance to cook. Bring it to a boil, then drop the heat and cover the pan. Let it simmer gently.

Step 4. Stir once or twice over the next 15 minutes. The pasta softens, and the sauce thickens as the starch releases. Taste to see if the noodles are tender.

Step 5. When the pasta’s ready, remove the lid. Sprinkle mozzarella across the top. Cover again for a few minutes until it melts into a gooey layer.

Step 6. Finish with parsley before you bring the pan to the table. Serve it hot straight from the skillet for the best experience.

5) Tips for Making One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Season your chicken early. The paprika and salt settle into the cubes better when they hit the heat right away. It saves you from bland bites later. I learned that the hard way when I forgot the seasoning until the sauce was already in the pan. Not my best moment.

Don’t skip stirring the pasta a couple times while it cooks. Pasta has a sneaky habit of sticking to the bottom if you leave it alone too long. A quick stir keeps things moving and prevents clumps.

If you want extra cheese pull, add a mix of mozzarella and cheddar. The cheddar sharpness balances the sweet bbq flavor. I’ve done that when I knew leftovers would need reheating, since cheddar holds up better the next day.

6) Making One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Ahead of Time

I’ve made this recipe ahead on weekends when I wanted a ready meal during the week. The pasta holds its shape surprisingly well. I cook it just shy of tender, then store it covered in the fridge. When I reheat it, the noodles soften a bit more without turning mushy.

If you want to prep the chicken, cube it a day ahead and season it lightly. Keep it in a sealed container so it’s ready to hit the pan. It cuts the active time in half, which feels like a small victory when you’re tired after work.

For make-ahead meals, I usually save half the cheese for reheating. Add it fresh when warming the dish so you still get that melty top layer. It feels like you made it right then even if you didn’t.

7) Storing Leftover One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Leftovers never last long at my house, but when they do, I keep them in a sealed container in the fridge. They stay good for three to four days. When reheating, I splash in a bit of broth or water to loosen the sauce back up. It brings the dish back to life.

I’ve even frozen portions in small containers. They reheat in the microwave, though I prefer the stovetop so the pasta doesn’t turn gummy. The flavor holds up, and it feels good to pull out a homemade meal when you don’t want takeout.

If you plan to send leftovers for lunch, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before packing. It makes reheating in the office microwave less sad, trust me.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne