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
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
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions, then drain and set aside to keep warm.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine pasta with sauce and chicken: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- 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.
- 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
