Before we dive into the creamy, smoky, sweet-and-savory dream that is today’s recipe, I just want to say thank you—yes, you—thank you for being here, for cooking with me, and for making these everyday meals something we can look forward to. Sharing these comforting, joy-filled dishes is my favorite thing, and this one… well, it’s something special.
Say hello to your next favorite weeknight dinner: Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken and Bacon Pasta. This dish is a full-flavored, one-skillet wonder with golden chicken strips, crispy bacon, and tender pasta tossed in a silky BBQ-honey cream sauce. It’s rich, it’s satisfying, and it’s completely irresistible!
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What Is Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken and Bacon Pasta?
It’s the kind of pasta dish that hits every craving: smokiness from bacon, sweetness from honey, creaminess from a dreamy sauce, and hearty bites of pasta and chicken. And the best part? It’s all made in ONE skillet with easy-to-find ingredients and in just 25 minutes. This recipe is your go-to when you want comfort food fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ One skillet means minimal cleanup
- ✅ Ready in 25 minutes
- ✅ Bold, crowd-pleasing flavors
- ✅ Versatile & customizable
- ✅ A hit with both kids and adults alike!
What It Tastes Like
It’s rich and creamy, with just enough sweetness to balance out the smoky bacon and the tang of BBQ sauce. The honey doesn’t overpower—it just adds a subtle warmth and roundness to the sauce. The textures are everything: tender pasta, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a sauce so good you’ll want to lick the pan.
Benefits of the Recipe
- High-Protein Meal thanks to chicken and bacon
- Family-Friendly flavors that even picky eaters enjoy
- Perfect for Meal Prep – reheats beautifully
- Adaptable for what you have on hand
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 6 strips bacon, chopped
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli work best)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet (nonstick or cast iron)
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Tongs or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- No heavy cream? Use half-and-half or even whole milk with a bit of cream cheese.
- Gluten-free? Swap in your favorite GF pasta.
- Need more veggies? Add in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli.
- Spicy twist? Use a chipotle BBQ sauce or add red pepper flakes.
How to Make It: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, add sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 7-8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Build the Sauce: If needed, add a splash more oil. Stir in garlic powder and onion powder; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make It Creamy: Add BBQ sauce and honey to the skillet, stir to combine, then slowly pour in the heavy cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well.
- Bring It All Together: Add cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Season & Serve: Taste, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.
What to Serve With It
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Bread: Garlic bread or warm rolls for dipping into the sauce.
- Veggies: Roasted green beans or a side of corn on the cob.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Use freshly grated cheese if adding toppings—it melts better and adds flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer gently—don’t boil it or the cream could split.
- Add pasta water (a few tablespoons) if the sauce gets too thick.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or milk.
- Not ideal for freezing due to the cream sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully—just stir it in when combining with the sauce.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use your favorite! A smoky, slightly tangy one works great, or go sweet if you prefer.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You can! Use meatless bacon and swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.
Conclusion
This Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken and Bacon Pasta is everything a comfort meal should be: rich, flavorful, and just a bit indulgent. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and smoky, and the fact that it comes together in one skillet? Absolute perfection.
🍴 Craving more one-pan meals? Try these next:
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet
- Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake
- BBQ Chicken and Rice Skillet with Corn
Share Your Creations!
I LOVE seeing your takes on my recipes—snap a photo, pin it on Pinterest, and tag me! Don’t forget to leave a review and let me know how it turned out.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 620
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 32g
- Sugar: 12g
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