Description
Are you looking for a flavorful, hassle-free meal that combines the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors? This One-Pan Sweet & Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need! It’s packed with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, garlicky sauce with just the right amount of heat and sweetness. Plus, everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze.
This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and chili flakes creates a sticky, irresistible glaze on the chicken, while the pasta soaks up all the delicious flavors. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 8 ounces Fettuccine ,penne pasta (or any short pasta)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with soy sauce, honey, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well until the chicken is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, honey, sriracha (if using), chicken broth, milk, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Mix everything well and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pan with the sauce.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow it to cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
- If the sauce reduces too quickly before the pasta is fully cooked, add an extra splash of chicken broth or milk.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir it into the pasta.
- Let everything cook together for 2-3 more minutes so the flavors meld.
- Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
- Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley and sesame seeds on top.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, One-Pan Meals
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
- Cuisine: Fusion, American-Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: ~550 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg