Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe
Introduction
This Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet is a delightful blend of sweet, smoky, and creamy flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines tender chicken, melted white cheddar, and a touch of honey for a comforting pasta dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Add chicken pieces; cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 5: Add cooked pasta; stir to combine thoroughly.
- Step 6: Mix in shredded white cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Step 7: Adjust seasoning if needed; garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use smoked gouda or sharp cheddar instead of white cheddar for a different smoky flavor.
- For extra vegetables, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach when adding the chicken broth and cream.
- White wine can replace half of the chicken broth for added depth.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to soften when combined with the sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and avoid excess moisture in the skillet.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne or rotini hold the sauce well, but you can use other shapes like fusilli or farfalle depending on your preference.
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Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal. Tender chicken pieces are cooked in a luscious honey butter sauce infused with smoked paprika and garlic, then combined with al dente pasta and creamy white cheddar cheese for a rich, satisfying dish. Garnished with fresh green onions, it’s perfect for a quick yet indulgent dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter and create sauce base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until combined and fragrant.
- Cook the chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and meld the flavors, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Melt the cheese: Stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until it melts fully into the sauce, creating a creamy and smooth texture.
- Season and garnish: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Notes
- Using penne or rotini helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: smoky chicken pasta, honey butter chicken, white cheddar pasta skillet, creamy chicken pasta, skillet dinners
