Print

Easy Sticky Honey Garlic BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta

Sticky Honey Garlic BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Whip up Sticky Honey Garlic BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta This easy familyapproved recipe is tested in my Texas kitchen My kids love this comfort food Get the recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (I like a smoky Texas-style BBQ sauce)
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta. Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. Set aside.
  • Cook the Chicken. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Make the Sauce. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Stir in the honey, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
  • Combine Everything. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. After testing this several times, I learned that adding a little pasta water at a time is best, so the sauce doesn’t become too thin.
  • Serve. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

Sticky Honey Garlic BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta is a quick, easy, and customizable recipe that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s on the table in under an hour and packed with protein and flavor!