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+ servings

Sticky Sweet Honey Smoky BBQ Chicken Pasta

A creamy pasta dish with sticky sweet honey, smoky BBQ, and tender chicken. Ready in 25 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine or other pasta
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp smoky BBQ seasoning blend (or substitute 1 tbsp smoked paprika + 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning) If using blend, adjust salt later
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter 4 tbsp
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp honey preferably local California honey
  • 1/4 cup smoky BBQ sauce use your favorite brand or homemade
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Place the diced chicken in a bowl and toss with the smoky BBQ seasoning blend until evenly coated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt completely. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, scraping up any browned bits.
  5. Stir in the honey and smoky BBQ sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1 minute, stirring constantly to combine.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing well to coat with the sauce. Cook for 1 minute to reheat the chicken.
  8. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 24gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 175mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16g

Notes

Substitutions: Use gluten-free pasta if needed; the sauce works well with any short pasta like penne or rigatoni. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder with the seasoning. Storage: Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream. Make-ahead: Dice and season the chicken a day ahead; store in the fridge. Common mistake: Don't overcook the pasta—al dente is best because it will cook a bit more in the sauce. Serving suggestions: Pair with a crisp green salad tossed with California olive oil and lemon, or roasted broccoli on the side.

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