Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and a touch of sweet honey. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that feels both indulgent and simple to make.

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

1. Step 1: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until combined.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
6. Step 6: Mix in the shredded white cheddar cheese until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked gouda or Monterey Jack in place of white cheddar for a different smoky flavor.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the cheese sauce smooth. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or cavatappi works well in this recipe because they hold the sauce nicely.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta, and ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free as well.

Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 66 reviews

This Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet combines tender chicken, smoky spices, and a luscious honey butter sauce with creamy white cheddar cheese, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. A comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that’s quick and satisfying, ideal for weeknight dinners.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 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

Sauce and Pasta

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini recommended)

Garnish

• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. 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 well and set aside.
2. Prepare the Honey Butter Sauce: 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 flavorful base.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through in the center, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir in the cooked pasta, making sure it’s well coated with the sauce.
6. Melt the Cheese: Add the shredded white cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
7. Serve and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish the pasta skillet with sliced green onions before serving to add a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Notes

• Use penne or rotini pasta as their shapes hold the creamy sauce better.
• For a smoky flavor, do not skip the smoked paprika.
• Ensure chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
• This recipe works well for meal prep and reheats nicely in the microwave.

Keywords: chicken pasta skillet, smoky honey butter chicken, white cheddar pasta, creamy chicken pasta, one-pan dinner, quick weeknight meal