There’s something magical about a dinner that comes together in one pot, fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, and gets devoured in minutes. That’s exactly what happens with honey garlic chicken pasta. It’s bold, comforting, and surprisingly easy—an ideal combination for busy nights when you want flavor without fuss.
This dish checks all the boxes: tender chicken bites, sweet and sticky sauce, a hint of heat, and perfectly cooked rotini pasta that soaks up every last drop. With just the right balance of garlic, honey, soy, and chili sauce, it delivers the kind of crave-worthy flavor that makes you look forward to leftovers—if there are any.
Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this is the kind of recipe that quickly earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta: A Sweet and Savory One-Pot Winner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A sweet, spicy, and savory one-pot dinner featuring juicy chicken, rotini pasta, honey garlic sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Done in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 to 1½-inch cubes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
6 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
4 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons chili garlic hot sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups rotini pasta
1 cup frozen peas
½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the sesame oil, swirling to coat the bottom.
2. Add the chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
3. Stir in the garlic, honey, chili garlic sauce, and brown sugar. Cook briefly, stirring, until the sugar dissolves and everything is well combined.
4. Pour in the soy sauce and chicken broth, then add the dry pasta. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is nearly tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Add the frozen peas and Parmesan cheese. Stir well and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the pasta is fully cooked and the sauce is glossy.
7. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
Adjust the chili garlic sauce to your preferred spice level. For a creamier version, stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: One-pot stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta
The first thing that draws you into this dish is its dynamic flavor profile. Honey garlic chicken pasta brings together a sweet and savory contrast that feels both cozy and exciting. The honey lends natural sweetness, balanced by the umami richness of soy sauce and the mild fire of chili garlic sauce. It’s that layered flavor that makes each bite satisfying.
What’s more, it all comes together in one pot. That’s not just a bonus for cleanup—it’s a game-changer for weeknight cooking. The pasta cooks right in the same pan as the sauce, soaking up all that flavor while thickening the broth naturally. It’s one of those clever shortcuts that delivers more taste with less effort.
And the best part? Everyone loves it. Even picky eaters will be drawn in by the familiar sweetness of honey, while the garlic and soy keep it from veering into bland territory. It’s hearty, balanced, and versatile enough to serve with a salad, bread, or nothing at all.
Key Ingredients That Make This Pasta Stand Out
It all starts with the chicken. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes keeps things quick and lean. A quick sear in sesame oil gives it a lightly nutty base before it soaks up the honey garlic sauce. The garlic itself—six cloves, roughly chopped—ensures this dish never lacks in bold flavor. When the garlic hits the pan with honey and brown sugar, it caramelizes just slightly, adding depth you can’t fake.
The sauce is what transforms this into something crave-worthy. A mix of honey, soy sauce, chili garlic hot sauce, and a touch of brown sugar gives you that sticky, glossy coating that clings to every bite. It’s sweet, spicy, salty, and rich without being heavy.
Pasta-wise, rotini is a smart choice. Its spirals hold onto the sauce beautifully, and it cooks evenly right in the broth. Add peas for a pop of color and a hint of sweetness, then finish with a handful of shaved Parmesan for that creamy finish that ties it all together.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta Step by Step
Start with a wide, deep pan—something like a Dutch oven or a large skillet with high sides. Heat your sesame oil over medium heat, then add the cubed chicken in a single layer. Let it sear for a few minutes on each side so it gets golden but not dry. Season it lightly with salt and pepper as it cooks.
Once the chicken is browned, add the chopped garlic, followed quickly by the honey, chili garlic sauce, and brown sugar. Stir it all together and let it cook just long enough for the sugar to dissolve and the garlic to become fragrant—about a minute or two.
Now comes the key move: deglaze the pan with soy sauce and chicken broth. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—they’re packed with flavor. Add the dry pasta directly into this bubbling mixture and bring it to a low boil.
Simmer for about 9 minutes, stirring now and then to make sure nothing sticks. The pasta will absorb most of the liquid, and what’s left becomes a glossy sauce. Stir in the peas and Parmesan near the end, and cook just long enough for the peas to warm through and the cheese to melt.
Serve it hot, topped with green onions if you like a fresh bite to contrast the rich sauce.
Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta Every Time
Getting this recipe just right doesn’t take much effort, but a few tips can help you fine-tune it to your taste. For starters, control the heat level by adjusting the chili garlic sauce. Two tablespoons offer a medium heat, but you can dial it down or add more depending on your preference.
If rotini isn’t your favorite, try penne or shells—just aim for a shape that catches sauce well. Whole wheat or legume-based pasta can also work if you want to boost nutrition. And don’t skip the peas—they balance the richness with natural sweetness and color.
To save time, prep your ingredients before starting. Chop the garlic, cube the chicken, and measure out the sauces. Since everything cooks quickly, having it all ready means you won’t miss a beat.
This recipe is also a great meal prep option. If you’re planning ahead, undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t get mushy when reheated. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth.
Variations on Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta
If you love a creamier texture, you can easily transform this into a creamy honey garlic chicken pasta by stirring in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese just before serving. It mellows the spice and makes it even more indulgent.
For a heartier option, consider turning it into a honey garlic chicken pasta bake. Simply transfer the finished pasta to a baking dish, top with extra Parmesan or mozzarella, and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden on top. It’s a great way to feed a crowd and makes the dish feel brand-new.
Want to make it vegetarian? Skip the chicken and double up on peas or add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even tofu cubes. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and you’ve got a satisfying meat-free meal that still delivers big flavor.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta
This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp salad or warm bread can make it feel more like a special occasion. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds contrast and brightness, while garlic bread or focaccia can soak up that irresistible sauce.
As for drinks, something light and crisp works best. Try a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a citrusy sparkling water to cut through the richness and balance the heat.
Leftovers reheat beautifully, and you can repurpose them in fun ways. Spoon leftover pasta into lettuce wraps, turn it into a sandwich filling, or stir in extra broth to create a noodle soup. If you love bold one-pot meals, you might also enjoy this honey mustard chicken skillet dinner for another quick and flavorful option.
FAQ: Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta Questions Answered
What is honey garlic chicken pasta bake?
A honey garlic chicken pasta bake is a baked version of this dish where the cooked pasta is transferred to a casserole dish, topped with extra cheese, and finished in the oven until bubbly and golden. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead for busy nights.
How do I make creamy honey garlic chicken pasta?
To make a creamy honey garlic chicken pasta, simply add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end of cooking. This creates a silky, rich sauce that pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy flavor base.
Can I freeze honey garlic chicken pasta?
Yes, you can freeze it, though the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing. Let the dish cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop with a bit of added broth to loosen the sauce.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The best method is to reheat honey garlic chicken pasta on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s consistency and stir occasionally until warmed through. Microwaving also works for quick servings.
Conclusion: A Go-To Dinner You’ll Make Again and Again
Honey garlic chicken pasta hits that rare sweet spot between simplicity and flavor bomb. It’s fast enough for a rushed Tuesday night but satisfying enough to make you feel like you treated yourself. With its sticky-sweet glaze, comforting pasta, and kick of spice, it’s a dinner you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.
Whether you keep it simple or turn it into a cheesy pasta bake, the flavors speak for themselves—bold, balanced, and utterly addictive. Keep this one-pot wonder in your back pocket, and dinner will never be boring.
For more successful recipes, you can visit our Pinterest account