Rich with bold flavors and a comforting, saucy texture, One-Pan Sweet and Smoky Garlic Chicken Pasta is a weeknight dinner that hits every craving. The tender, bite-sized chicken is seared until golden, then bathed in a savory, garlicky glaze with a touch of sweetness and a hint of smoky spice. Tossed with perfectly cooked noodles in the same pan, it becomes an irresistible all-in-one meal with minimal cleanup.

Whether you’re looking to satisfy a takeout-style craving or just want to shake up your pasta routine, this dish delivers. The balance of garlic, soy, brown sugar, and smoked paprika wraps every strand of pasta and piece of chicken in deep, layered flavor. Plus, sesame seeds and a slight char on the chicken lend it that extra something that makes the dish unforgettable.

Ingredients for One-Pan Sweet and Smoky Garlic Chicken Pasta

2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz linguine or spaghetti, cooked and drained
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional for tang)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, toss it lightly with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until a golden crust forms. Stir occasionally and continue cooking for another 4–5 minutes until fully cooked through and lightly browned.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Push the cooked chicken to the edges of the pan and add minced garlic to the center. Let it sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, smoked paprika, black pepper, and rice vinegar. Stir everything together to coat the chicken evenly. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss it well with the chicken and sauce, making sure the noodles are thoroughly coated and warmed through. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and finish with a drizzle of sesame oil. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot straight from the pan.

Storage Instructions

To store leftover One-Pan Sweet and Smoky Garlic Chicken Pasta, let it cool to room temperature first. Then:

Refrigerate: Place in an airtight container and store for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Reheat: Use the microwave or reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freeze: While possible, freezing is not ideal as the noodles may become mushy. If needed, freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Estimated Nutrition

Note: Values are approximate and based on 1 of 4 servings.

Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Sugars: 9 g
Fat: 17 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 980 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Linguine and spaghetti are great options, but you can also use fettuccine, udon, or even ramen noodles depending on your preference.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with tofu or seitan, and use vegetable broth or water in the sauce if needed.

Is it very spicy?

No, it’s more smoky-sweet than spicy. However, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha if you’d like some heat.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just add the pre-cooked chicken when the sauce is being made to warm it up and let it absorb flavor.

How do I avoid dry chicken?

Sear the chicken quickly over high heat and avoid overcooking. Bite-sized pieces help cook evenly and stay juicy.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Absolutely. Make it ahead and store individual portions for easy reheating throughout the week.

What can I serve with this?

A light side like steamed broccoli, edamame, or a cucumber salad complements the dish well.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just make sure your pan is large enough to accommodate all ingredients without overcrowding.