Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, creamy white cheddar cheese, and a touch of sweet honey butter sauce. This easy-to-make pasta recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne or your choice of pasta
Sauce
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until fully cooked and browned on the outside, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- Make the honey butter sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the honey and milk (or cream), whisking until combined and warmed through. Gradually add the shredded white cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Toss pasta and chicken with sauce: Add the drained pasta and cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the smoky white cheddar honey butter chicken pasta warm, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cheddar or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use smoked paprika to add a smoky flavor to the chicken without needing to grill or smoke it.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for cream.
- If preferred, add vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
Keywords: chicken pasta, white cheddar pasta, honey butter chicken, smoky chicken recipe, easy pasta dinner
