Are you looking for a quick and tasty dinner? Discover my easy recipe for Honey Garlic Chicken Rotini! This weeknight dish combines tender chicken, rotini pasta, and a sweet-savory sauce that kids and adults will love. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you'll have dinner on the table in no time. Let’s dive in and transform your weeknight meals with this delicious recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Sweet and Savory: The combination of honey and soy sauce creates a deliciously balanced flavor that pleases every palate.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great option for family dinners.
Ingredients
Required Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
To cook the rotini pasta, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is key. Add the rotini and cook it as per the package instructions. Aim for an al dente texture, which means the pasta should be firm but cooked through. When ready, drain the pasta and let it sit in a colander.
Sautéing the Chicken
Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers, then add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them with black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, take it out and keep it warm in a bowl.
Making the Honey Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it smells great. Be careful not to burn it. Then, pour in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes at this time. Stir everything well and let it simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken a bit.
Combining Ingredients
Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the broccoli florets. Toss all the ingredients together in the skillet. Make sure the chicken and broccoli get coated in the honey garlic sauce. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the broccoli is just tender.
Tossing the Pasta
Finally, add the cooked rotini to the skillet. Fold it gently into the chicken and broccoli mixture. Make sure every piece of pasta gets coated in the sauce. Heat through for another minute, stirring gently. This step ensures all flavors mix well.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To avoid overcooked chicken, keep a close eye on it while cooking. To perfect the sauce thickness, allow it to simmer longer if needed.
Serving Suggestions
For presentation, serve the dish in large, shallow bowls. You might add a lime wedge or cilantro sprigs for a fresh touch.
This blog post covered all you need for Honey Garlic Chicken Rotini. We discussed required and optional ingredients, along with step-by-step cooking instructions. Remember the tips for cooking and serving that will enhance your dish. You can even explore vegetarian and gluten-free options. Proper storage ensures your leftovers remain delicious. With these methods, you can enjoy a meal that tastes great and impresses friends. Now, grab your ingredients and start cooking!
