why make this recipe
Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet is a delightful dish that combines flavors and textures into one easy meal. The creamy white cheddar and sweet honey create a rich sauce that perfectly coats the pasta and chicken. This dish is not only delicious but also simple to make, making it great for busy weeknights or a fun family dinner. Plus, it offers a twist with a hint of smokiness, making it stand out from other pasta recipes.
how to make Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet
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)
Directions:
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces; cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add cooked pasta; stir to combine thoroughly.
- Mix in shredded white cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Adjust seasoning if needed; garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
how to serve Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet
This dish can be served warm straight from the skillet. It works well on its own or with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. The creamy texture and savory flavors make it a crowd-pleaser.
how to store Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
tips to make Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be slightly firm since it will cook a bit more when mixed with the sauce.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of smoked paprika to suit your taste.
- For added flavor, consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers when cooking the chicken.
variation
You can use different types of cheese, like gouda or mozzarella, if white cheddar is not available. Additionally, try swapping chicken for shrimp or adding cooked bacon for an extra layer of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes, whole wheat pasta is a great alternative. Just cook it according to the package instructions as it may have a different cooking time.
Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
Certainly! You can use lower-fat cheese and reduced-fat cream to reduce calories. You can also substitute some chicken broth for cream to lighten the sauce.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken pieces should be golden brown on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. A meat thermometer can help with this.
Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet
A creamy, savory pasta dish featuring chicken and a rich white cheddar honey butter sauce.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
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
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces; cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add cooked pasta; stir to combine thoroughly.
- Mix in shredded white cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Adjust seasoning if needed; garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with garlic bread or a fresh salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
