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Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 31 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken, smoky spices, and melted white cheddar cheese. Sweet honey and smoky paprika enhance the buttery sauce, while pasta provides a comforting base. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta

  • 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini recommended)

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside to use later in the recipe.
  2. Melt Butter and Add Flavors: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a smoky, sweet base for the sauce.
  3. Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, ensuring even cooking and flavor absorption.
  4. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir thoroughly to coat the noodles with the sauce and combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Add Cheese: Mix in the shredded white cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy texture throughout the dish.
  7. Final Seasoning and Garnish: Adjust the seasoning if needed, then garnish with sliced green onions before serving for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

Notes

  • Use penne or rotini pasta as their shapes hold the sauce well.
  • Adjust honey amount to taste for desired sweetness.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with smoked paprika.
  • To lighten the dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.