Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce that’s sweetened with honey and flavored with smoked paprika. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

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. 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 well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir thoroughly to combine.
6. Step 6: Mix in the shredded white cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of chipotle powder or use smoked gouda instead of white cheddar.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk.
• Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut to save time without sacrificing flavor.
• Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas for added color and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute white cheddar with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or smoked gouda for different flavors and textures.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 79 reviews

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

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Description

This Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, smoky honey butter sauce, and creamy white cheddar cheese blended with perfectly cooked pasta. The smokiness from the paprika combined with the sweetness of honey creates a deliciously balanced sauce that coats every bite. Garnished with fresh green onions, this dish is an effortless dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

• 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini recommended)

Sauce & Seasoning

• 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

Cheese & Garnish

• 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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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, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain 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 until well combined and fragrant.
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, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Combine pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
6. Incorporate the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded white cheddar cheese over the pasta and sauce mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
7. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving warm.

Notes

• Use penne or rotini pasta as they hold the sauce well, but any medium-sized pasta shape will work.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
• To enhance smokiness, use smoked sea salt instead of regular salt.
• Cook chicken pieces evenly by cutting them into similar sizes.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

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

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