Mediterranean One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
This Mediterranean-inspired twist on BBQ chicken pasta brings together sweet and tangy honey BBQ flavors with garlic, oregano, and juicy veggies — all simmered with penne pasta in one pan. It’s creamy, smoky, and herbaceous, delivering both comfort and bold Mediterranean character. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual family dinners!
Time Estimate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce & Pasta:
2 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water + bouillon)
3/4 cup honey BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for tang)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
To Finish:
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or fontina
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or basil
Optional: lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Sear the Chicken
In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add diced chicken, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and mostly cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
Build the Sauce & Cook the Pasta
In the same pan, add a splash of oil if needed. Sauté garlic, onion, and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
Add uncooked penne, chicken broth, BBQ sauce, honey, balsamic vinegar, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Simmer Everything Together
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Add Chicken & Cheese
Return cooked chicken to the pan and stir well.
Sprinkle mozzarella over the top and cover for 2–3 minutes to melt.
Add crumbled feta and stir gently to mix.
Finish & Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of brightness.
Tips
Sear the Chicken for Flavor:
Browning the chicken first locks in flavor and gives it a slightly smoky edge before simmering.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta:
Stir occasionally and check the penne near the end of cooking to avoid mushy texture.
Use a Large Skillet or Sauté Pan:
A deep, wide pan ensures even cooking and room to stir without spilling.
Adjust Sweetness and Tang:
Taste the sauce before finishing — add a splash of vinegar if it’s too sweet or a touch more honey if you prefer it richer.
Grate Cheese Freshly:
Freshly shredded mozzarella or fontina melts better and enhances creaminess.
For Extra Creaminess:
Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream near the end of cooking for a luscious finish.
Finish with Lemon:
A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end cuts through the richness and brightens the dish beautifully.
Variations
Vegetarian Version:
Replace chicken with chickpeas, white beans, or grilled halloumi. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Swap the Pasta:
Use rotini, rigatoni, or even whole wheat or gluten-free penne. Just adjust cooking time and liquid slightly if needed.
Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken:
Save time by adding shredded rotisserie chicken in the final step—skip the searing and just heat through.
Add More Veggies:
Include spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or olives for added nutrition and Mediterranean flair.
Make it Spicier:
Add a chopped jalapeño, a spoonful of harissa, or increase red pepper flakes for a bold kick.
Try Different Cheeses:
Use goat cheese, shredded provolone, or even a dollop of ricotta instead of or in addition to feta and mozzarella.
Make It a Bake:
Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes for a bubbly, golden finish.
Q&A
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! Short pasta shapes like rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli work well. Just monitor the liquid and adjust cooking time as needed.
Q: What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
A: Use a thick, honey-style BBQ sauce for best results. Smoky or chipotle BBQ sauces also work beautifully with the Mediterranean spices.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, this dish keeps well. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Definitely! Let it cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently on the stove.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: Only mildly, due to the optional red pepper flakes. Omit them if you’re sensitive to heat, or increase them for more spice.
Nutrition Facts
(Per Serving – Serves 4)
Calories: ~480
Protein: ~35g
Fat: ~14g
Carbohydrates: ~50g
Fiber: ~4g
Sugar: ~11g
Sodium: ~670mg
Calcium: ~180mg
Note: These values will vary based on specific brands of BBQ sauce, cheese, and pasta used.
Final Conclusion
Mediterranean One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a unique and satisfying blend of smoky, sweet, and herbaceous flavors in a creamy, comforting pasta dish — all made in just one pan. It combines the heartiness of BBQ chicken with the brightness of Mediterranean ingredients like oregano, garlic, and feta, making it a delicious fusion for weeknights or casual entertaining. It’s flavorful, fuss-free, and full of bold personality — a new go-to for pasta lovers who like a twist!