Honey BBQ Chicken Penne: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Honey BBQ Chicken Penne: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that marries the smoky sweetness of barbecue with the comforting embrace of pasta! Have you ever craved a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? This recipe is your answer. Forget complicated weeknight dinners; this is comfort food elevated.

While the exact origins of combining BBQ flavors with pasta are somewhat modern, the spirit of fusion cuisine is as old as trade routes themselves. Cultures have always borrowed and adapted flavors, and this Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a delicious testament to that. It takes the beloved American barbecue sauce, with its tangy and sweet profile, and infuses it into a classic Italian pasta dish.

People adore this dish for its incredible flavor profile. The honey barbecue sauce provides a delightful balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy notes that perfectly complement the savory chicken and al dente penne pasta. The creamy sauce coats every bite, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover grilled chicken, making it a convenient and budget-friendly meal. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion with this Honey BBQ Chicken Penne that will become a family favorite!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Pasta:
• 1 lb penne pasta
• 8 cups water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (I prefer a smoky one!)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• For the Vegetables:
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 medium red onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For the Cheese & Garnish:
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Make sure each piece is nicely coated.
2. Now, add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly seasoned. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s what gives the chicken its delicious flavor!
3. Heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken.
4. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding can lower the pan temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of sear.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. We’ll add it back in later.

Cooking the Pasta:

1. While the chicken is cooking, let’s get the pasta going. Fill a large pot with 8 cups of water and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package directions, usually around 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, so the pasta should be firm but not hard.
3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well in a colander. Don’t rinse the pasta; we want to keep some of the starch to help the sauce cling to it.
4. Set the cooked pasta aside. We’ll add it to the sauce later.

Making the Honey BBQ Sauce:

1. Now, let’s whip up that amazing Honey BBQ sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you like it sweeter, add a little more honey. If you want more tang, add a splash more apple cider vinegar.
3. Set the sauce aside.

Sautéing the Vegetables:

1. Time to cook the veggies! In the same skillet or Dutch oven you used for the chicken, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent them from burning.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can become bitter.

Bringing It All Together:

1. Now for the grand finale! Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables.
2. Pour the Honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the sauce.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.
4. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta with the Honey BBQ sauce. Make sure every strand of pasta is covered in that delicious sauce!
5. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Adding the Cheese and Serving:

1. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the pasta.
2. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a minute or two, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
3. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy! This Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is best served hot.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Honey BBQ sauce for extra heat.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn.
• Use different cheese: Try using different cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for a creamier sauce.
• Grill the chicken: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet.
• Slow cooker version: You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients (except the pasta and cheese) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Then, stir in the cooked pasta and cheese and let it sit until the cheese is melted.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine everything together.

Enjoy your delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Penne! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Honey BBQ Chicken Penne isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, perfectly balanced with the creamy cheese and tender chicken, creates a symphony of tastes that will leave you craving more. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters!

But the best part? It’s so versatile! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a hot honey BBQ sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using whole wheat penne or swapping out the cream cheese for Greek yogurt. You could even add some grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions for extra nutrients and flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

* Serve it with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up all that delicious sauce.
* A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
* For a heartier meal, add a side of roasted corn on the cob or grilled asparagus.
* Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
* If you’re feeling adventurous, top it with crumbled bacon or crispy fried onions.

Variations:

* Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or roasted chickpeas.
* Spicy Kick: Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce.
* Creamy Dreamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche just before serving for extra creaminess.
* Cheesy Goodness: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or Parmesan cheese on top.
* Smoked Flavor: Use smoked paprika in the BBQ sauce for a deeper, smokier flavor.

I’m so excited for you to try this Honey BBQ Chicken Penne recipe! I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, familiar yet unique. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together and creates lasting memories.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I promise you won’t regret it. And once you’ve made it, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much your family and friends enjoyed it. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me an email. I’m always eager to hear from fellow food lovers and see how they’ve put their own spin on my recipes. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!

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