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Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken Alfredo Penne

Honey BBQ Chicken Alfredo Penne - featured image

This easy one-pan dinner combines tender chicken, penne pasta, and a creamy Alfredo sauce blended with sweet and smoky honey BBQ flavors. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz dried penne pasta
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional add-ins: red pepper flakes, chopped green onions, shredded mozzarella

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breast into bite-sized cubes, pat dry, and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and keep warm.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in honey BBQ sauce and honey. Let bubble for 1 minute. Add heavy cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth.
  5. Pour uncooked penne into the pan. Stir to coat pasta in sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring twice, until pasta is al dente and liquid mostly absorbed.
  6. Uncover and add grated Parmesan, cooked chicken, and any optional add-ins. Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Brown the chicken well for extra flavor. Use low heat for the Alfredo sauce to prevent splitting. Freshly grated Parmesan melts best. Stir pasta often to prevent sticking. For gluten-free, use GF pasta; for dairy-free, swap cream and cheese for plant-based alternatives. Adjust BBQ and honey to taste. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken alfredo, honey BBQ pasta, one-pan dinner, creamy pasta, easy chicken recipe, comfort food, weeknight meal, family dinner