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Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken Bacon Penne

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This easy one-pan pasta dinner features juicy chicken, crispy bacon, penne pasta, and a creamy honey BBQ sauce. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal with bold, sweet, and smoky flavors—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 12 oz penne pasta, uncooked
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place chopped bacon in a cold large skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until crispy (about 6-8 minutes). Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
  2. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet with bacon fat and olive oil. Cook over medium-high heat until golden and just cooked through (about 5-6 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add diced onion to the pan; cook until soft and translucent (about 3 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds).
  4. Pour in BBQ sauce and honey, scraping up any browned bits. Let bubble for 1 minute, stirring so it doesn’t scorch. Add heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well.
  5. Stir in uncooked penne. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12-14 minutes, until pasta is just tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Stir in the cooked chicken, bacon, and shredded cheddar. Keep stirring until cheese melts and sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Let rest 5 minutes before serving for the sauce to thicken up. Serve warm, with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half, turkey bacon, or reduced-fat cheese. Gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations are possible with alternative pasta and cream. Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking, and have all ingredients prepped before starting for best results. The sauce thickens as it cools; add a splash of broth or cream if needed when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy honey BBQ chicken bacon penne, one pan pasta, easy dinner, chicken pasta, BBQ pasta, comfort food, weeknight meal, skillet dinner

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/creamy-honey-bbq-chicken-bacon-penne-easy-one-pan-dinner-recipe/