Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces are cooked in a rich honey butter sauce with smoked paprika, then tossed with pasta and creamy white cheddar for a deliciously smoky twist.

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 honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
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, and 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, stirring until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
7. Step 7: Adjust seasoning if needed, then garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked gouda or fontina as an alternative to white cheddar for a different smoky flavor.
• For extra veggies, add spinach or peas during the simmering step.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.

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 needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta you have on hand will work, but shapes like penne or rotini hold the sauce well and are recommended.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free cream and cheese substitute, but the flavor and texture will differ from the original.

Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.7 from 147 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet combines tender, juicy chicken cooked in a rich honey butter sauce with smoky paprika and creamy white cheddar cheese, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting one-pan meal that balances savory, sweet, and smoky flavors for a satisfying dinner any night of the week.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions, then drain and set aside to keep warm.
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 pepper to create a flavorful sauce base.
3. Cook the chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will create a rich, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
5. Combine pasta with sauce and chicken: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Melt the cheese: Mix in the shredded white cheddar cheese, stirring until it is fully melted and smooth, adding a creamy texture to the dish.
7. Final seasoning and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

• Use penne or rotini pasta as they hold the sauce well, but any similar pasta shape works.
• For a lower fat option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
• Adjust the amount of honey to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
• Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful protein.
• Ensure not to overcook the pasta to maintain the perfect texture when combined with the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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