Before I dive into the saucy, smoky, creamy goodness of today’s recipe—I just want to take a moment to thank you. Truly. If you’ve ever stood at the stove, looking for a way to make dinner a little more exciting, a little more comforting, or just a little easier, this one’s for you. And I’m so grateful you’re here to share it.
Let me introduce you to your new weeknight hero: Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken and Bacon Pasta. This one-skillet wonder is rich, satisfying, a little sweet, a little smoky, and packed with flavor. And best of all? It comes together in under 30 minutes. Yes, you read that right.
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Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Pasta
- One Skillet = Easy Clean-Up!
- Ready in Just 25 Minutes
- Layers of Flavor from BBQ Sauce, Bacon, and Cream
- Family-Approved Comfort Food
- Sweet and Savory Balance That’s Anything but Boring!!
What It Tastes Like
This dish is everything you crave in a cozy, satisfying pasta: tender strips of chicken, crispy bacon, and perfectly al dente pasta all drenched in a creamy BBQ sauce with a drizzle of honey that adds just the right touch of sweetness. It’s smoky, creamy, savory, with a whisper of garlic and onion that pulls it all together.
Health & Practical Benefits
- Protein-Packed – Chicken and bacon for lasting energy.
- Fast Cooking Time – From prep to plate in 25 minutes.
- Minimal Cleanup – All cooked in one trusty skillet.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and common ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 6 strips bacon, chopped
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli work great!)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand!)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- Cream Alternative? Try half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version.
- Bacon Swap: Use turkey bacon or pancetta.
- More Veggies? Stir in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or corn.
- Spicy Twist? Add crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In the same skillet, cook chicken strips until golden and fully cooked—about 7-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- If needed, add a splash more olive oil to the skillet. Stir in garlic powder and onion powder, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add BBQ sauce and honey, stirring to combine. Slowly pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well.
- Add cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the skillet. Toss everything to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
What to Serve With This Pasta
- A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or a soft dinner roll
- Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans for extra veggies
Tips for Success
- Slice the chicken thinly so it cooks evenly and quickly.
- Let the bacon fully crisp—it adds essential texture.
- Use a BBQ sauce you love—it’s the flavor foundation here!
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing not recommended due to the cream sauce texture.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Prep the chicken and bacon ahead, then toss everything together just before serving for the freshest taste.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Just chop it and add it at the same point in the recipe.
Is this kid-friendly?
Very much so! It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and not spicy—perfect for little eaters.
Conclusion
This Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken and Bacon Pasta is the kind of dish that turns a regular dinner into something everyone remembers. It’s comforting, flavorful, and comes together with almost no effort. I’m kicking myself for not having shot it the first time I made it—it’s that beautiful in the skillet!
Looking for more one-pan wonders or creamy pasta magic? Try these next:
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- BBQ Ranch Chicken and Rice Skillet
- Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Spinach and Bacon
Share Your Dish!
Made this recipe? I’d love to see your skillet magic! Snap a photo and share it on Pinterest or tag me. Don’t forget to leave a review—it means the world!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 620
- Fat: 35g
- Carbs: 48g
- Protein: 32g
- Sugar: 12g
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