Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that combines tender chicken, savory garlic, and a touch of sweet honey all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta. This Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta is a weeknight winner, offering a beautiful balance of flavors that come together in under 30 minutes. It’s a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome, making it perfect for busy families or anyone craving a satisfying dinner without the fuss. Plus, with fresh broccoli florets and a sprinkle of green onions, this dish adds a vibrant pop of color and nutrition to your plate.

Why I Love This Recipe

What makes this Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta truly special is its simplicity and versatility. The sauce—a blend of honey, soy sauce, and garlic—is rich and flavorful without being overpowering. It’s sweet, tangy, and just a little bit spicy if you decide to add red pepper flakes, creating a perfect harmony with the tender chicken and al dente pasta. I adore how the broccoli adds a fresh crunch, making it feel balanced and complete. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home with ingredients you probably already have on hand. It’s also easy to customize, whether you want to swap the chicken for another protein or experiment with different pasta shapes.

What You’ll Gather

• 8 oz pasta of choice (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work wonderfully)
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced for that punch of flavor
• 1/4 cup honey to give the dish its signature sweetness
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (look for a low-sodium version if you prefer)
• 2 tbsp olive oil to sauté and add richness
• 1/2 tsp black pepper for subtle heat
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
• 1 cup broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish and freshness

Cook’s Kit

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan to cook the chicken and sauce
• Colander to drain the pasta
• Sharp knife and cutting board for prepping chicken and veggies
• Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Step-by-Step: Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with black pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the honey and soy sauce, stirring to combine. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add Broccoli

Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the luscious honey garlic sauce. Cook for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, savory goodness of this comforting dish.

If you love this recipe, you might also want to try the Honey Mustard Chicken Bowtie Pasta for a tangy twist or the Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken Spaghetti for a fresh, zesty flavor profile.

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

• Chicken: You can swap diced chicken breast for chicken thighs for a juicier bite, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta if you need to avoid gluten, or whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
• Soy Sauce: Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative and adds a rich depth.
• Honey: Maple syrup or agave can be used if you prefer a different natural sweetener.
• Broccoli: Try substituting with snap peas, asparagus, or green beans for a different crunch.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Omit if you want a milder dish, or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a different heat profile.

Slip-Ups to Skip

• Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente texture is key to holding the sauce well.
• Avoid burning the garlic—keep the heat moderate and stir constantly once garlic hits the pan.
• Make sure to cook the chicken fully before adding it back to the sauce to ensure safe eating and best texture.
• Don’t skip reserving pasta water—it’s a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency.

Storage & Reheat Guide

This Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the pasta before warming it in a skillet or microwave to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat the dish gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to distribute the sauce evenly.

Common Questions

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken can save time. Just add it in during the last few minutes of cooking to warm it through without drying it out.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally free of dairy, so no modifications are needed. Just double-check your pasta ingredients if you’re buying packaged varieties.

What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or bowtie hold the sauce wonderfully. But if you prefer long noodles, spaghetti or linguine will also do the trick.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also top the finished dish with sliced fresh chili for an extra kick.

Our Most-Loved Recipes

• Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Over Orzo – A comforting dish with tender chicken thighs and perfectly cooked orzo.
• Honey Mustard Chicken Bowtie Pasta – A tangy and sweet twist on a chicken pasta classic.
• Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken Spaghetti – Bright, fresh, and packed with herbaceous flavor.

Make It Tonight

Ready to whip up a dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite bistro? This Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta is your go-to for quick, flavorful, and satisfying meals. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The blend of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a sauce that’s sticky, sweet, and utterly crave-worthy, while the broccoli adds a nutritious crunch that rounds out the dish. Pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

With this easy-to-follow recipe in your arsenal, you’ll never have to wonder what to make for dinner again. Plus, the flexibility to swap ingredients means you can keep this dish fresh and exciting every time you make it. So grab your skillet, boil that pasta, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering plate of Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta tonight!

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