If you are craving a meal that wraps you in warmth, comfort, and bursts of flavor, look no further than this One-Pot Creamy Honey Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe. It combines tender chicken, smoky sausage, and perfectly cooked penne pasta in a luscious, creamy sauce kissed with a delicate hint of honey. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the fact that it all comes together in one pot, making dinner both effortless and unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to become a treasured favorite that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this One-Pot Creamy Honey Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe has a purpose, bringing balance and flavor that make the dish truly special. From the savory smoked sausage to the sweet honey and rich Parmesan, these essentials come together to create a stunning harmony of taste and texture you will adore.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks: Tender, lean protein that soaks up all the delicious seasonings.
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds: Brings a smoky depth and satisfying chewiness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle savory warmth without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Balances the flavor profile with subtle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: A sweet twist that beautifully complements the savory elements.
- 3 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that cooks the pasta and ties it all together.
- 12 oz penne pasta (uncooked): The sturdy pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that irresistibly smooth, rich, and creamy texture.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and thickens the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat to brighten every bite if you enjoy spice.
- Freshly ground black pepper, for garnish: Adds a fresh, sharp kick as a finishing touch.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Honey Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let the chicken cook undisturbed until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to brown each side beautifully. This step creates the foundation for all the flavors that follow.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pot, add your sliced smoked sausage rounds. Sear them just until browned and slightly crispy on the edges, which intensifies that smoky flavor and adds a delightful texture contrast to the creamy pasta.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Honey
Return the chicken to the pot with the sausage. Drizzle the tablespoon of honey over the mixture and stir gently to coat all the pieces. This sweet layer balances the savoriness and adds a glossy sheen to the ingredients, elevating the dish’s complexity.
Step 4: Deglaze with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot. This step, called deglazing, lifts all the beautiful browned bits into the broth, infusing every bite with deeper flavor before the pasta hits the pan.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked penne pasta directly to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover it and let the pasta simmer gently for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the broth, becoming tender and flavorful.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Once the pasta is perfectly al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed, stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and coats every piece of pasta, chicken, and sausage to perfection. If you love a little heat, now’s the time to blend in crushed red pepper flakes for an added kick.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Honey Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To put the finishing touches on this dish, sprinkle fresh, coarsely ground black pepper over the top right before serving. If you want to brighten things up a bit, a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil adds color, freshness, and a subtle herbaceous note that complements the creaminess beautifully.
Side Dishes
Since this One-Pot Creamy Honey Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe is already rich and hearty, pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to balance out the decadent sauce. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also wonderful companions for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in the skillet it was cooked in for a rustic, cozy vibe that invites everyone to dig in. For a fancier approach, plate individual portions in shallow bowls and garnish with parmesan shavings and a drizzle of honey for a subtle hint of sweetness on top that dazzles first sight and the taste buds alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even further, making your next meal just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
This dish freezes well but because of the cream, it’s best to freeze prior to adding the Parmesan and cream. Freeze the chicken, sausage, and pasta with broth in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and finishing with cream and cheese.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce and prevent it from drying out. This will help revive that luscious texture you loved the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, you can swap it for rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle without losing any of the dish’s charm.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily substitute the penne pasta with a gluten-free version. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as gluten-free pastas sometimes cook faster.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with Italian sausage, chorizo, or even a chicken sausage to tailor the flavors to your liking.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe itself is mild, but adding crushed red pepper flakes gives it a gentle but noticeable heat. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or leave it out completely.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, with some simple swaps. Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative along with a vegan Parmesan substitute to keep it creamy and flavorful without dairy.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about one-pot meals that deliver big on flavor without drowning you in dirty dishes. The One-Pot Creamy Honey Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe does just that, blending sweet, savory, smoky, and creamy into every bite. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will be on your regular dinner rotation, bringing joy and deliciousness to your table every time.
Print
One-Pot Creamy Honey Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Honey Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender chicken, smoky sausage, and creamy Parmesan sauce. With a touch of honey adding subtle sweetness, this easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights and yields a deliciously rich pasta dish in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
Seasonings & Flavorings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, for garnish
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the proteins.
- Cook Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, ensuring tender bites.
- Sear Sausage: Remove the chicken from the skillet, then add the sliced sausage rounds. Sear them in the same pan until they become browned and develop a crispy exterior.
- Combine Proteins & Add Honey: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sausage. Drizzle the honey over the mixture and stir gently to evenly coat the meat with this subtle sweetness.
- Deglaze with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits, which adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Add Pasta & Simmer: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the broth.
- Finish with Cream & Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Season & Serve: Optionally, add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and serve the creamy pasta warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use a deep skillet or sauté pan with a lid to allow even cooking and simmering.
- If you prefer, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms when adding the cream for extra nutrition.
- For a spicier version, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
