Introduction
A delightful fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, this One-Pot Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta is a quick, easy, and satisfying meal for any night of the week. Tender chicken bites, perfectly cooked pasta, and vibrant vegetables come together in a rich, flavorful sauce made with honey, garlic, soy, and a hint of heat. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder keeps things simple while delivering big on taste.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225 g) penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers, thinly sliced (red, yellow, and green)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions:
- Sauté the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside. - Prepare the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes, mixing well. - Cook the Pasta:
Pour chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a boil. Add pasta, reduce heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the sauce. - Add Vegetables:
Once the pasta is al dente, toss in the sliced bell peppers and broccoli florets. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables are tender but slightly crisp. - Finish and Serve:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat evenly in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed. - Garnish:
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for extra color and flavor.
Notes:
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- You can swap broccoli for zucchini or spinach for a different twist.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and soy sauce.
Helpful Tips
- Ensure even cooking for the chicken: Cut the chicken into evenly sized bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate and prevents some pieces from overcooking while others remain undercooked.
- Keep stirring the pasta while simmering: Since this is a one-pot recipe, pasta can stick to the bottom of the skillet if left unattended. Stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking and ensures the pasta absorbs the sauce evenly.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables: Add the bell peppers and broccoli toward the end of cooking to retain their vibrant color and slight crunch. Overcooking will result in mushy vegetables and a less appealing texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh garden salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette complements the sweet and spicy flavors of the pasta. It also adds a refreshing contrast to the warm dish.
- Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls: A side of warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce. Dinner rolls work well if you prefer something softer.
- Top with grated parmesan cheese: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan over the pasta before serving. It adds a rich, savory touch that pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap pasta types: If you don’t have penne or fusilli on hand, feel free to use any short pasta like rigatoni or farfalle. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used for dietary preferences.
- Use different vegetables: Bell peppers and broccoli are great options, but you can also add or substitute zucchini, snap peas, or spinach. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust the spice level: For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. If you love extra heat, add a dash of sriracha or cayenne pepper for more kick.
Conservation and Storage
- Properly store leftovers in airtight containers: After allowing the pasta to cool to room temperature, transfer it to airtight containers. This helps prevent the pasta from drying out and protects it from absorbing other odors in the fridge. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor: When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pasta to loosen the sauce and prevent it from becoming too thick. Use a microwave or a skillet on low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
- Freeze for longer storage: If you want to store leftovers beyond a few days, place the cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm up in a skillet with a splash of broth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding vegetables too early: Vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli should be added toward the end of cooking to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant color. Adding them too soon can lead to overcooking, resulting in mushy, unappetizing vegetables.
- Skipping the stirring while cooking the pasta: It’s crucial to stir the pasta occasionally as it simmers in the sauce. Without stirring, the pasta may stick to the bottom of the skillet, burn, or cook unevenly, which can affect the dish’s overall flavor and texture.
- Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breast can quickly become dry and rubbery if overcooked. Keep an eye on the cooking time, and remove the chicken from the skillet once it’s fully cooked and lightly golden. You can always reheat it with the sauce later to avoid overcooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne or fusilli works great in this recipe, you can use any short pasta like rotini, rigatoni, or even farfalle. The cooking time may vary slightly, so check for doneness as the pasta simmers. - How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or even chickpeas for a plant-based protein option. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain a rich, savory flavor. - Can I adjust the sweetness and spiciness?
Definitely! If you prefer a sweeter dish, increase the amount of honey slightly. For more heat, add extra red pepper flakes, sriracha, or even a pinch of cayenne. The balance of flavors can be easily customized to suit your taste. - What’s the best way to meal prep this dish?
Cook the pasta and chicken separately, then combine them with the sauce just before serving. This keeps the pasta from becoming too soft over time and ensures the dish tastes freshly made even after reheating.
Conclusion
One-Pot Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta is a perfect example of a meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. With its delightful combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and a hint of spice, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. The convenience of cooking everything in one pot means less cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty but quick. Plus, with its versatile ingredients and easily customizable flavor profile, it’s a recipe you can tweak to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing friends with your culinary skills, this pasta dish offers a satisfying experience in every bite. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and enjoy it while hot!
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One-Pot Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delightful fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, this One-Pot Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta is a quick, easy, and satisfying meal for any night of the week. Tender chicken bites, perfectly cooked pasta, and vibrant vegetables come together in a rich, flavorful sauce made with honey, garlic, soy, and a hint of heat. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder keeps things simple while delivering big on taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers, thinly sliced (red, yellow, and green)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside. - Prepare the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes, mixing well. - Cook the Pasta:
Pour chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a boil. Add pasta, reduce heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the sauce. - Add Vegetables:
Once the pasta is al dente, toss in the sliced bell peppers and broccoli florets. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables are tender but slightly crisp. - Finish and Serve:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat evenly in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed. - Garnish:
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for extra color and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- You can swap broccoli for zucchini or spinach for a different twist.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: honey garlic chicken pasta, one-pot pasta, spicy chicken pasta