One Pan Chicken Bacon Honey Mustard Pasta

One Pan Chicken Bacon Honey Mustard Pasta is a delicious and simple one pot meal that’s perfect for those busy weeknights. Creamy honey mustard is tossed with chicken, bacon, swiss and pasta. It’s comfort food in a pan!

One night I came home from work and was like what the heck am I going to make for dinner tonight? A quick scan of the pantry and the fridge told me I had chicken, real bacon bits, pasta and OMGEEE, the honey mustard dressing that I had purchased a few days prior. An easy one pan meal was in store for this household of two. I’m a HUGE fan of one pot meals, especially during the busy work week. As much as I love cooking, I hate doing it after a busy day at work. When I cook dinner after work, it has to be fast, simple and produce the least amount of dirty dishes possible. Yes, I still love you, dishwasher. But filling you up with dirty dishes requires time that I just don’t want to giveaway to filling you up.

This meal is ridiculously easy to make. It had to be, otherwise I wouldn’t have made it after work. First you boil some water in a large deep skillet or pan. Then you add some pasta, cook, drain and set aside. Cook some diced chicken and then add onion and bacon bits. Cook those suckas until the onion is tender. Then add the pasta, swiss cheese and honey mustard and mix well. BOOM. Dinner is served. The tummy’s are happy and the dishwasher is crying in a corner because there aren’t a ton of dirty dishes to fill it with.

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Why This Chicken Bacon Honey Mustard Pasta Recipe Works

The trio of chicken, bacon, and honey mustard is a classic for a reason. You see it on salads and in sandwiches everywhere because it simply works. The savory chicken, the smoky and salty bacon, and the sweet and tangy dressing create a perfect harmony of flavors. Turning this classic combination into a warm, satisfying pasta dish makes it a complete meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

What really sets this recipe apart, though, is the addition of Swiss cheese. This isn’t just a random ingredient tossed in, it’s the key to making the dish truly special. Many creamy pasta dishes rely on heavy cream or cream cheese, which can sometimes mute other flavors or make the meal feel heavy.

Swiss cheese, on the other hand, melts beautifully into the honey mustard dressing using just the residual heat from the pan. This technique creates a light, luscious sauce that coats every piece of pasta and chicken without being cloying. The nutty, slightly savory flavor of the Swiss perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey and the saltiness of the bacon. It adds a sophisticated depth that elevates the entire dish from a simple weeknight meal to something truly memorable. It’s the secret that makes everyone ask, “What’s in this sauce?”

Finally, this Chicken Bacon Honey Mustard Pasta is designed for real life. It’s a mostly one-pan meal that comes together quickly, making it an absolute lifesaver on busy evenings. It delivers big, impressive flavor with minimal fuss and cleanup, which is a win in any Southern kitchen.

Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Honey Mustard Pasta

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way a few well-chosen ingredients come together to create something spectacular. While the list is short, choosing quality components will make a noticeable difference in the final dish.

The star of the show, my little twist, is the Swiss cheese. I highly recommend buying a block and shredding it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated in starches to prevent clumping, which can make your sauce gritty. Freshly shredded Swiss will melt into a perfectly smooth and creamy sauce every time. Now, let’s get to everything you’ll need.

• 8 oz of your favorite pasta. I used large shells.
• 1/2 C chopped sweet onion
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp seasoned salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 C real bacon bits
• 1/2 C shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/3 C honey mustard dressing
• Green onion for garnish

A few quick notes on these ingredients. For the pasta, I love using large shells because they act like little cups, catching the delicious sauce and bits of chicken and bacon. Penne or rotini would also work wonderfully. When it comes to the honey mustard dressing, use your favorite brand. A good quality, creamy-style dressing will give you the best results. If you have a brand you love for salads, it will be perfect here. And for the bacon, using real bacon bits is a fantastic time-saver, but if you have a few extra minutes, cooking up 4-5 strips of bacon and crumbling them yourself will add an extra layer of smoky flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Chicken Bacon Honey Mustard Pasta

This recipe comes together so quickly, making it a perfect meal for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting and delicious without a lot of fuss. We’ll use one large skillet or pan for everything but the pasta, which keeps cleanup to a minimum. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a stunning dinner on the table in no time.

Step 1: Cook and Drain the Pasta

First things first, let’s get that pasta cooking. Bring a large deep pan or pot of water to a rolling boil. Don’t forget to generously salt the water, it’s the only chance you have to season the pasta itself. Once it’s boiling, add your 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s tender, or “al dente.” We want it to have a slight bite since it will get mixed with the warm sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside for a few minutes while we work on the other components.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken, Onions, and Bacon

In that same large pan or a separate large skillet, add your 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and the cubed chicken pieces. Season them generously with the seasoned salt and ground black pepper. Heat the pan over medium heat and sauté the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and lightly golden. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Next, add the chopped sweet onion and the bacon bits to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring often, for another 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes tender and fragrant. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing right about now!

Step 3: Bring It All Together

This is the most important step for getting that perfect, creamy sauce. Remove the pan completely from the heat and turn off your stove. This prevents the cheese from overheating and becoming stringy. Immediately add the cooked and drained pasta and the 1/2 cup of shredded Swiss cheese to the hot skillet with the chicken mixture. Stir everything together well, the residual heat from the chicken and the pan will be more than enough to melt the cheese into a beautiful, smooth sauce. Once the cheese is melted, pour in the honey mustard dressing and mix until every piece of pasta is coated in that glorious sauce.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve Immediately

All that’s left to do is serve it up. Dish the warm Chicken Bacon Honey Mustard Pasta into bowls. For a pop of fresh flavor and color, I love to garnish it with some freshly sliced green onions. This final touch adds a mild, crisp bite that cuts through the richness of the sauce perfectly. Serve it right away while it’s hot and creamy.

How To Serve Chicken Bacon Honey Mustard Pasta

This dish is so hearty and flavorful that it truly stands on its own as a complete meal. The combination of pasta, protein from the chicken, and the rich sauce means you don’t need much else to feel satisfied. When I’m in a hurry, I often just serve it up in big bowls and call it a day, and my family is always happy.

However, if you want to round out the meal or stretch it to serve a larger crowd, there are plenty of wonderful options that complement the flavors of the honey mustard, bacon, and Swiss cheese beautifully. It’s all about adding a bit of freshness or a different texture to the plate.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve this pasta:

• With a Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the creamy pasta. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness and cleanses the palate. I like to use a mix of romaine and leafy greens with some cucumber and cherry tomatoes.
• With Roasted or Steamed Vegetables: A side of green vegetables adds color and nutrients to the meal. Roasted broccoli or asparagus with a little olive oil and salt is fantastic. The slight char from roasting brings out their sweetness, which pairs nicely with the sauce. Steamed green beans work well too.
• With Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with a side of warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette. It’s perfect for sopping up every last bit of that incredible honey mustard and Swiss cheese sauce from the bottom of the bowl.

For a beverage pairing, a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or an unoaked Chardonnay would be lovely. The acidity in the wine will complement the tangy dressing and balance the creaminess of the dish.

How To Store & Reuse Chicken Bacon Honey Mustard Pasta Leftovers

While this pasta is definitely at its best when served fresh and hot, the leftovers are still absolutely delicious. Let’s be honest, sometimes having a container of this waiting in the fridge for lunch the next day is a wonderful thing. The key to great leftovers is proper storage and reheating to bring that creamy sauce back to life.

First, allow the pasta to cool down to room temperature before storing. Placing hot food directly into the refrigerator can raise the internal temperature and affect other foods. Once cooled, transfer the pasta to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.

I do not recommend freezing this dish. The honey mustard and cheese sauce can separate when thawed and reheated, and the texture of the pasta can become mushy. It’s best enjoyed within a few days.

• Reheating on the Stovetop: This is my preferred method as it gives you the most control. Place the leftover pasta in a small skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or even chicken broth (about a tablespoon per serving) to help loosen the sauce and restore its creaminess. Stir gently until the pasta is heated all the way through.
• Reheating in the Microwave: If you’re short on time, the microwave works just fine. Place a serving of pasta in a microwave-safe bowl and add that same splash of milk or chicken broth. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to trap steam. Heat in 45-second intervals, stirring in between, until it is hot. This method prevents the pasta from drying out.

By adding a little extra moisture when you reheat, you can enjoy leftovers that are nearly as creamy and delicious as when the dish was first made. It makes for a fantastic and easy lunch!

Substitutions & Variations For Chicken Bacon Honey Mustard Pasta

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how forgiving and adaptable it is. It’s a wonderful template that you can easily tweak based on what you have in your pantry or your family’s preferences. Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and make this dish your own! Think of these suggestions as a starting point for your own culinary adventures.

Whether you need to accommodate a dietary restriction or just want to try a new flavor combination, this Chicken Bacon Honey Mustard Pasta is ready for your personal touch. Small changes can create a whole new experience.

Here are some substitutions and variations that work beautifully:

• Try a Different Cheese: While I adore the nutty flavor of Swiss, this recipe is also delicious with other great melting cheeses. Gruyère would add an even richer, earthier flavor. Provolone or a mild white cheddar would also be fantastic choices.
• Switch Up the Protein: No chicken breasts on hand? Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be extra juicy. You could also use leftover rotisserie chicken, just stir it in with the onions to heat through. For a completely different spin, try sliced smoked sausage instead of chicken.
• Load Up on Veggies: This is a great dish for sneaking in some extra vegetables. Add sliced mushrooms to the pan along with the onions. You could also wilt in a few large handfuls of fresh spinach at the very end, just before serving. Steamed broccoli florets or sweet peas are also wonderful additions.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the seasoned salt and black pepper when you’re cooking the chicken. It adds a gentle warmth that plays nicely with the sweet and tangy sauce.
• Use Different Pasta: Any short-cut pasta will work well here. Penne, rotini, cavatappi, or farfalle are all great options that will hold the sauce nicely. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas. Adding sautéed mushrooms and using Gruyère cheese, for example, would give the dish a wonderful, earthy, and sophisticated twist.

One Pan Chicken Bacon Honey Mustard Pasta

Yield: about 8 cups

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

One Pan Chicken Bacon Honey Mustard Pasta is a delicious and simple one pot meal that's perfect for those busy weeknights. Creamy honey mustard is tossed with chicken, bacon, swiss and pasta. It's comfort food in a pan!

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Ingredients

• 8 oz of your favorite pasta. I used large shells.
• 1/2 C chopped sweet onion
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp seasoned salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 C real bacon bits
• 1/2 C shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/3 C honey mustard dressing
• Green onion for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring a large deep pan or skillet of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Add 3 tbsp of olive oil and the chicken to the pan. Season with seasoned salt and ground pepper and heat over medium heat. Saute until the chicken is cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Add the onions and bacon bits and cook (stirring often) until the onion is tender, 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and turn off your stove. Add the pasta and 1/2 C Swiss cheese to the pan and mix well. Mix in the honey mustard. Garnish with green onion, if desired.

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 410 Total Fat: 20g Sodium: 746mg Carbohydrates: 10g Sugar: 5g Protein: 19g

5 FAQs About Chicken Bacon Honey Mustard Pasta

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this Chicken Bacon Honey Mustard Pasta recipe.

Can I make this Chicken Bacon Honey Mustard Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you certainly can, though it is always at its absolute best when served immediately after making it. If you need to prepare it in advance, you have a couple of options. For the best results, you can prep all the components separately. Cook the chicken and onions, cook the pasta, and shred the cheese. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat the chicken mixture in a skillet, then add the cooked pasta and cheese off the heat as directed in the recipe. This method ensures the sauce is freshly melted and perfectly creamy.

If you need to make the entire dish ahead of time, that works too. Prepare the recipe completely, then let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, I recommend reheating it on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth to help restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. It makes for a great meal prep option for lunches during the week.

What is the best kind of honey mustard to use for this pasta?

The quality and type of honey mustard dressing you use will have a big impact on the final flavor of your dish. I strongly recommend using a creamy-style honey mustard dressing rather than a thin, vinaigrette-style one. The creamy versions will create a much richer and more luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. Look for a brand that has a good balance of tangy mustard flavor and sweet honey.

If you have a favorite brand you already love for dipping chicken tenders or dressing a salad, it will likely be perfect for this recipe. If you’re feeling ambitious, making your own is incredibly simple and allows you to control the sweetness and tang. Just whisk together equal parts Dijon mustard and honey with a scoop of mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt for creaminess, a pinch of salt, and a dash of cayenne for a little kick.

Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that makes this already quick recipe come together even faster. It’s one of my favorite time-saving tricks for a busy weeknight. Since the chicken is already cooked, you’ll just need to adjust the cooking process slightly to avoid drying it out.

Simply sauté the onions in the olive oil until they are tender, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add your shredded or cubed cooked chicken and the bacon bits to the pan. You only need to cook them for another minute or two, just until the chicken is heated through. From there, you can proceed with the recipe as written, removing the pan from the heat and adding the pasta and cheese. It’s a perfect way to give leftovers a delicious new life.

Why did my Swiss cheese get clumpy in the honey mustard sauce?

This is a great question and it points to the most crucial step in the recipe. The number one reason cheese clumps or gets stringy in a sauce is because it was exposed to heat that was too high. Cheese is an emulsion, and high, direct heat can cause the proteins to tighten up and squeeze out the fat, resulting in a greasy, clumpy mess. This is why the recipe specifically instructs you to remove the pan completely from the stove before adding the cheese.

The residual heat from the cooked chicken, onions, and the skillet itself is more than enough to gently melt the Swiss cheese into a perfectly smooth and creamy sauce. Another tip is to use freshly shredded cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents like potato starch, which can prevent them from melting as smoothly and can sometimes result in a slightly gritty texture. So, for the best sauce, always remove the pan from the heat and use freshly shredded cheese.

What vegetables can I add to my Chicken Bacon Honey Mustard Pasta?

This pasta is a wonderful canvas for adding vegetables, making it a more balanced and colorful one-pan meal. Several vegetables pair beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors of the sauce. For heartier vegetables, it’s best to add them early in the cooking process. You could add sliced mushrooms or chopped red bell peppers to the skillet at the same time as the onions. They will soften and their flavors will meld with the chicken and bacon.

For greener vegetables, you have a few options. You can add steamed or blanched broccoli florets along with the pasta at the end. For something like fresh spinach or arugula, simply toss a few large handfuls into the hot pasta right after you’ve mixed in the sauce. The residual heat will wilt the greens perfectly in just a minute or two. Frozen sweet peas are another easy addition, just stir them in with the pasta and they will heat through quickly.

Try These Recipes Next

If you enjoyed the easy elegance of this one-pan pasta, you’ll love some of the other simple and delicious pasta dishes I have here on the blog.

• One Pan Chicken Pasta with Chardonnay Wine Sauce: A sophisticated yet simple dish with a light and flavorful wine sauce.
• Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken Pasta: Pure comfort in a bowl, this recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with earthy flavors.
• Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta: Let your slow cooker do all the work with this incredibly easy and zesty Italian-inspired pasta.

I hope you’ll give these a try for your next weeknight dinner!