Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe
If you have a craving for something that beautifully balances richness with a subtle smoky sweetness, look no further than this Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight delight where tender chicken meets luscious white cheddar cheese melting into a dreamy, buttery sauce kissed by honey and smoky paprika. Every forkful is a celebration of bold and comforting flavors in one skillet, proving just how satisfying simple ingredients can be when combined with love and a hint of culinary magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward, everyday ingredients that pack punch and create a symphony of tastes and textures. Each item plays a key role, whether it’s the perfectly seasoned chicken, the creamy sauce, or the sweet little kiss of honey.
- Chicken breast: Tender and lean, cut into bite-sized pieces to cook evenly and soak up all the flavors.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base to sauté the chicken with a subtle fruity note.
- Smoked paprika: The smoky star ingredient that adds depth and warmth without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Enhances savory layers with its mellow, aromatic punch.
- Onion powder: Gives a gentle sweetness and rounds out the seasoning perfectly.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional but wonderful for those who love a bit of heat to balance the creaminess.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to boost and bring harmony to all flavors.
- Pasta (penne or rigatoni): Hearty shapes that hold creamy sauce beautifully in every bite.
- Butter: Adds richness and velvety texture to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: The luscious backbone of this dish’s signature creaminess.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce light and savory while helping it simmer to the right consistency.
- White cheddar cheese: The creamy, smoky cheese that melts and melds beautifully with honey and butter.
- Honey: A delightful touch of sweetness that counterbalances the smoky and savory notes.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens each serving with fresh color and a hint of herbal freshness.
How to Make Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if you like some heat), salt, and pepper. This simple but bold seasoning is what sets the stage. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes until it’s beautifully browned and fully cooked. Then, remove it from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Base
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, letting its rich aroma fill the kitchen. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine both liquids into a silky base. This step is key for building that signature sauce of the Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Bring the creamy mixture to a simmer and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes. This slow bubbling helps the sauce to thicken just right, making each bite luxuriously smooth and coating the pasta perfectly.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Honey
Sprinkle in the shredded white cheddar cheese and drizzle the honey into the sauce. Stir consistently until the cheese melts completely and the sauce turns rich and velvety, combining smoky, sweet, and creamy flavors all at once.
Step 5: Toss Pasta and Chicken
Fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece gets a generous coating. Gently toss your golden chicken back into the skillet, bringing everything together for a final 2-3 minutes of warmth so the flavors meld beautifully and the dish is piping hot.
How to Serve Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing brightens this rich dish quite like a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. It adds not only a pop of color but a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the creamy, smoky sauce, making every plate look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This pasta skillet stands on its own, but if you’re craving a side, lightly dressed greens or a crisp Caesar salad add a refreshing crunch. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli also pair beautifully to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta skillet in individual cast iron skillets or rustic bowls to keep it warm and give each guest a cozy, comforting experience. Add a little extra shredded white cheddar on top and broil briefly for a bubbly cheese crust that takes this recipe up a notch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
This Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe freezes well. Just cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. This keeps the pasta creamy and smooth without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While white cheddar creates the perfect smoky creaminess, you can experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack or gouda for a slightly different flavor profile, though it won’t be quite the same magic as the original Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli work best because they hold onto the sauce beautifully. Avoid thin strands like angel hair, which won’t keep the sauce on each bite as well.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but they’re completely optional. You can customize the spice level to suit your family’s tastes or leave them out for a mild, crowd-pleasing dish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try substituting the butter and cream with dairy-free alternatives like margarine and coconut cream, and use a vegan cheddar-style cheese. Flavor and texture will vary, but it’s a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
How can I make this recipe ahead for a dinner party?
Cook the chicken and pasta separately, then prepare the sauce last minute. Combine everything just before serving, or assemble fully and reheat gently in the oven or on the stove to keep the dish fresh and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe brings together smoky, sweet, and creamy elements in one effortless skillet. It turns a modest weeknight meal into a cozy, unforgettable feast that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and share the joy of this comforting, flavor-packed dish with your loved ones—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet offers a delightful combination of smoky spices, sweet honey, and rich white cheddar in a creamy sauce. Perfectly cooked chicken bites and tender pasta come together in one pan for a comforting and flavorful meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite variety)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes, until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Start the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine the ingredients well.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly and develop flavor.
- Add Cheese and Honey: Stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese and honey. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce to ensure every piece is well coated.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss together with the pasta and sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy the smoky, creamy, and sweet flavors.
Notes
- For extra heat, keep the red pepper flakes; omit if you prefer milder dishes.
- Use pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni to hold the creamy sauce well.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave to avoid curdling the sauce.
- Adding a splash of pasta water can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
