Description
This Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken bites cooked with a smoky honey butter sauce, creamy white cheddar cheese, and perfectly al dente pasta. The sauce is rich and velvety with a hint of smoky paprika and garlic, making it a delicious dinner that comes together quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 ounces short pasta, such as penne or rotini
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Additional salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add flavorings: Reduce heat to medium and stir in butter, honey, and minced garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and the chicken is well coated with the honey butter mixture.
- Make the sauce: Add crushed red pepper flakes (if using), chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate cheeses: Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and smooth. Gradually add the shredded white cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving.
Notes
- For an extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke or substitute with smoked white cheddar cheese.
- You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Add steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach to the skillet for additional vegetables and color.
