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
Scale
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
