Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta
This Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta is a quick, flavorful weeknight winner with tender chicken, sweet honey, and vibrant broccoli tossed with perfectly cooked pasta.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Colander
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work wonderfully
- 1 lb chicken breast diced into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce look for a low-sodium version if you prefer
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a spicy kick
- 1 cup broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped, for garnish and freshness
Instructions
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.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for the perfect texture.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Swap chicken breast with thighs or tofu for different protein options.
- Do not overcook garlic to avoid bitterness; sauté just until fragrant.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of water.