This Sweet & Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta is a mouthwatering fusion of bold barbecue flavor, golden garlic, and a touch of honeyed sweetness—all wrapped around tender bites of pasta and juicy chicken. Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweet, making it the kind of comfort food you’ll crave again and again. The rotini pasta grips the sticky, flavorful sauce with every spiral, ensuring no delicious drop is left behind.

Ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinner gatherings, this dish is quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, it’s a sure-fire winner that brings a bold punch to your dinner table without demanding hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Sweet & Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 cups rotini pasta (or any pasta of choice)
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (preferably hickory-smoked or spicy)
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare the Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Reduce the heat to low. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until the sauce is well blended and begins to bubble slightly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it slightly.

Step 5: Simmer and Serve

Let everything simmer for 2–3 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve hot straight from the skillet, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of shredded cheese.

Storage Instructions

To store leftovers of Sweet & Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta:

Refrigerator: Place cooled pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to rehydrate the sauce, or microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring between intervals until heated through.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 4 servings total)

Calories: 520
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 62g
Sugar: 19g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 740mg

Note: Nutrition may vary slightly depending on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of barbecue sauce works best?

A smoky, spicy barbecue sauce adds the most depth, but sweet or tangy varieties also work well depending on your flavor preference.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti can work if rotini isn’t available.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild kick thanks to red pepper flakes and the BBQ sauce. You can adjust the spice level up or down.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, the dish is naturally dairy-free unless you choose to top it with cheese.

What vegetables can I add?

Bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach mix in well and add nutrients and color.

Can I substitute tofu for chicken?

Definitely. Pan-seared tofu makes a great vegetarian alternative. Just be sure to season it well.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your BBQ sauce and soy sauce are gluten-free.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats very well. It’s perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Sweet & Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Sweet & Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta is a bold and satisfying meal featuring tender rotini pasta tossed with juicy, seasoned chicken in a sticky, sweet and smoky sauce. With garlic, honey, BBQ sauce, and a kick of heat, this dish brings a flavorful punch perfect for weeknight dinners or easy meal prep.

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Lower heat and stir in minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds.
Add BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and simmer until bubbly.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in sauce. Use reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
Simmer together for 2–3 minutes. Serve hot, optionally garnished with green onions or cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Pasta Dish