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Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Honey BBQ Chicken Penne - featured image
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This Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a quick, hearty family dinner that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a sweet-smoky honey BBQ sauce tossed with penne pasta. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
  • 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey (optional)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions (9-11 minutes) until al dente.
  2. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta using a colander. Set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and just starting to brown.
  5. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low. Add honey BBQ sauce, honey (if using), heavy cream, and cream cheese.
  7. Stir constantly until cream cheese melts and sauce is smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
  8. Stir in cooked chicken and warm through, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  9. Add drained penne to the skillet and toss to coat with sauce. Add more pasta water or BBQ sauce if desired.
  10. Sprinkle in mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and gooey, about 2 minutes. (Optional: Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly.)
  11. Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
  12. Serve hot, with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. Add sautéed veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or pasta water; if too thin, simmer a bit longer. For a crispy cheese topping, broil the finished pasta for 2-3 minutes. Leftovers keep well and can be frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey bbq chicken penne, bbq chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, family dinner, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, weeknight dinner, cheesy pasta, skillet pasta

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/honey-bbq-chicken-penne-recipe-easy-hearty-family-dinner/