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
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside to use later in the recipe.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Cheese: Mix in the shredded white cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy texture throughout the dish.
- 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.
