If you are craving a vibrant, comforting meal that effortlessly balances sweet, savory, and fresh flavors, then this Honey Garlic Chicken with Roasted Veggie Penne Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Packed with tender pieces of chicken glazed in a luscious honey garlic sauce, perfectly roasted colorful vegetables, and al dente penne pasta, this dish is as satisfying as it is beautiful. It’s a complete, nourishing meal that comes together quickly, making it a perfect go-to option for weeknights or any time you want to impress with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and accessible, yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting the delightful taste, texture, and color of this Honey Garlic Chicken with Roasted Veggie Penne Recipe. Fresh veggies provide a natural sweetness and vibrancy, the chicken offers protein and heartiness, and the honey garlic sauce ties everything together with a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (bite-sized): Perfect for even cooking and absorbing the honey garlic glaze.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Gives the sauce its irresistible sweetness and sticky texture.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium): Adds depth and umami without overpowering the dish.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic brings pungency and warmth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for chicken): Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
- 1 medium zucchini (sliced): Adds a tender yet slightly crisp vegetable element.
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced): Brings bright color and a subtle sweetness.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Roasting intensifies their flavor and adds juiciness.
- 1 red onion (sliced): Offers sweetness and a gentle tang after roasting.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for veggies): Ensures the veggies roast up tender and caramelized.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every component.
- 8 oz penne pasta: The perfect sturdy pasta shape to carry the sauce and veggies.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle, welcome kick if you like a little heat.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Brightens the dish with fresh herbaceous notes.
- Grated Parmesan (optional): Adds a salty, nutty finish, elevating the savory flavors.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken with Roasted Veggie Penne Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables
First, preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss the zucchini, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet. Spread them out evenly and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. This roasting process enhances their natural sweetness and adds a wonderful slight char that complements the savory chicken beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Penne Pasta
While the veggies roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package’s directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Having perfectly cooked pasta ready will make combining everything seamless and prevent any sogginess.
Step 3: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. This simple but flavorful sauce will coat the chicken and tie the entire dish together, balancing sweetness, savoriness, and that irresistible garlic kick.
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 sauté them until they turn golden and are cooked through, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. This step ensures the chicken develops a tasty sear before being enveloped in the sauce.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This thickens the sauce into a sticky glaze that clings beautifully to every bite. Then, add your roasted vegetables and cooked penne directly into the skillet and gently toss everything together so each element is evenly coated and mingled.
Step 6: Finish with a Kick and Garnish
If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes now and give everything one last toss. Finally, garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan if you like that extra savory layer. Your Honey Garlic Chicken with Roasted Veggie Penne Recipe is ready to be plated and enjoyed!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken with Roasted Veggie Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Always reach for fresh parsley to brighten this dish with its vibrant green color and herbal freshness. Grated Parmesan is a superb optional touch that adds a delightful creaminess and depth to the flavors. If you love little pops of heat, red pepper flakes sprinkled on top will take it over the edge in the best way.
Side Dishes
This Honey Garlic Chicken with Roasted Veggie Penne Recipe stands beautifully on its own as a hearty, well-rounded meal, but if you want to round it out, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad or a warm crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. Roasted garlic bread or a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing complements it perfectly without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style presentation, serve everything in a large, rustic bowl with parsley sprinkled on top for a vibrant pop of color. Alternatively, plate individual servings garnished with a Parmesan crisp or sprinkle toasted pine nuts for an unexpected crunch. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on top can also elevate the dish visually for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Honey Garlic Chicken with Roasted Veggie Penne Recipe keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even more after a day, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, freeze the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. It’s best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture. Be mindful that pasta can sometimes become softer after freezing, but the honey garlic sauce helps maintain moisture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid drying out the chicken and veggies. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to freshen the sauce. Microwaving works fine if you cover the dish and stir halfway through heating to ensure even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce and roasted veggies, you can easily substitute with rotini, rigatoni, or any short pasta you prefer. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, simply swap out regular soy sauce for tamari and use gluten-free pasta. This way you won’t compromise the delicious flavors while making it safe for those avoiding gluten.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Adding mushrooms, broccoli, or even asparagus can add extra nutrition and variety. Just adjust roasting times slightly depending on the veggies you choose.
What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I leave out the red pepper flakes?
Of course. The red pepper flakes are totally optional and only add a gentle heat. The dish is flavorful and balanced without them, so feel free to omit.
How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?
Cooking chicken pieces evenly and not overcooking is key. Searing them until golden and then simmering briefly in the honey garlic sauce ensures they stay tender and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken with Roasted Veggie Penne Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients that come together in a flash to create an impressive yet easy meal. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever dinnered without it!
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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
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken with Roasted Veggie Penne is a flavorful and wholesome weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce with roasted seasonal vegetables and perfectly cooked penne pasta. The dish balances savory, sweet, and slightly spicy notes, making it a comforting yet healthy meal option suitable for the whole family.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Roasted Vegetables
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the vegetables which will add a smoky depth and tender texture to the dish.
- Roast the Vegetables: On a large baking sheet, toss the sliced zucchini, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through so they cook evenly and develop slight charring.
- Cook the Pasta: While the vegetables roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta following the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic until well combined to create a sweet and savory glaze for the chicken.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Simmer with Sauce: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky, coating the chicken beautifully.
- Toss Together: Add the roasted vegetables and cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything thoroughly to combine the flavors and warm through evenly.
- Add Final Touches: If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the dish for a mild kick. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute penne pasta with any other short pasta shapes like rotini or rigatoni.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and select gluten-free pasta.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables such as mushrooms or broccoli to vary the veggie mix.
- The Parmesan cheese is optional and can be omitted to keep the dish dairy-free.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit entirely for a milder dish.
