If you’re looking for a dish that brings together a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors, look no further than this Honey Garlic Chicken with Roasted Veggie Penne Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that warms your heart and satisfies your taste buds all at once. Tender chicken pieces glazed in a luscious honey garlic sauce mingle effortlessly with perfectly roasted vegetables and al dente penne, creating a vibrant plate that’s as comforting as it is colorful. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings joy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Honey Garlic Chicken with Roasted Veggie Penne Recipe shines because of its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each element has a special role—from the naturally sweet honey enhancing the chicken, to the fresh aromatics and the earthy roasted veggies adding depth and texture.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Choose fresh chicken for tender, juicy bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1/4 cup honey: This adds natural sweetness that perfectly complements the savory garlic and soy.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred): Provides that signature umami punch without overpowering the dish.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for that punch of aroma and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken to a golden perfection.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant red color.
- 1 zucchini, chopped: Delivers a tender, slightly earthy note while balancing the dish’s textures.
- 1 red onion, chopped: Offers a subtle sweetness when roasted, enhancing the veggie medley.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with juiciness and a natural tang that brightens the entire plate.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for vegetables): Helps roast the veggies to tender, lightly caramelized perfection.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: The ideal pasta shape to catch the honey garlic sauce and mix well with the veggies and chicken.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat if you like to add a subtle kick.
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbal finish that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken with Roasted Veggie Penne Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), and toss the red bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet. Roast these in the oven for 20-25 minutes. This roasting process helps deepen the natural sweetness of the vegetables while creating a slight char that adds wonderful smoky undertones to the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Penne Pasta
While the veggies are roasting, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it is perfectly al dente. This means your pasta should still have a slight bite, ready to soak up all the flavors of the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. This simple sauce is the star of the dish, offering a luscious glaze that clings to every piece of chicken and pasta, bringing everything together.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. This step creates a beautiful crust, locking in the juiciness of the chicken.
Step 5: Combine Sauce and Chicken
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes so that the sauce thickens slightly and perfectly coats the chicken, turning each piece into a glossy, flavorful morsel.
Step 6: Toss Everything Together
Add the roasted vegetables and cooked penne pasta directly into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything thoroughly to combine so the veggies and pasta soak up the luscious honey garlic sauce. Give it a taste, and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you want to add a little heat.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken with Roasted Veggie Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil elevates both the flavor and appearance. The fresh herbs add a lovely brightness and a slight peppery or sweet herbal note, contrasting beautifully with the rich honey garlic sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish is a hearty one on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread would perfectly complement the sweet and savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, serve the Honey Garlic Chicken with Roasted Veggie Penne Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a final drizzle of extra sauce and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This presentation adds a touch of elegance and ensures everyone gets a beautiful, balanced portion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this Honey Garlic Chicken with Roasted Veggie Penne Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that fresh herbs are best added after reheating to maintain their flavor and color.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep things saucy and moist. Microwaving is a quick option too—just cover the dish and heat in short intervals to prevent drying out the chicken and pasta.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is the ideal shape to catch the sauce and veggies, you can swap it for rigatoni, fusilli, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Honey Garlic Chicken with Roasted Veggie Penne Recipe?
Yes! You can easily replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a satisfying vegetarian option that still benefits from the honey garlic sauce and roasted vegetables.
How spicy is this dish?
The spicy element is optional since the recipe includes only a small amount of red pepper flakes. If you prefer no heat, simply omit them or reduce the amount to your liking.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Definitely! This dish holds up well for meal prepping and can be portioned out for quick, flavorful lunches or dinners throughout the week.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Cooking the chicken pieces in a hot skillet until golden before adding the sauce helps lock in juices. Avoid overcooking and simmer the sauce briefly to keep the chicken tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that combines ease, wholesomeness, and bold flavors all in one. This Honey Garlic Chicken with Roasted Veggie Penne Recipe is not only a joy to make but also a delight to share with those you love. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and don’t be surprised if this becomes a new favorite on your dinner rotation!
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Honey Garlic Chicken with Roasted Veggie Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken with Roasted Veggie Penne is a delicious and wholesome dinner that combines tender chicken pieces glazed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce with perfectly roasted vegetables and al dente penne pasta. It’s a well-balanced meal bursting with fresh flavors and easy to prepare on the stovetop and in the oven, making it ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Roasted Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for vegetables)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Garnish:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a large baking sheet, toss the chopped red bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread them out evenly and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
- Cook Penne Pasta: While the vegetables roast, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic to create the flavorful sauce that will coat the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown on the outside.
- Simmer Chicken with Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Allow it to simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, coating the chicken beautifully.
- Combine and Toss: Add the roasted vegetables and cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together gently to combine and warm through. Adjust seasoning by adding salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the honey garlic chicken with roasted veggie penne warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of herbal freshness.
Notes
- For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor, if desired.
- You can use whole wheat or gluten-free penne pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.
