Dinner

Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe

ByGabriel Langdon January 24, 2026January 24, 2026

Introduction

This Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet is a comforting, flavorful meal that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and a hint of smoky sweetness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan dish comes together quickly and is sure to satisfy the whole family.

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with bowtie pasta coated in a creamy, light beige sauce. On top, several browned chicken pieces rest scattered evenly, with a slightly crispy texture. Small green herbs are sprinkled over the dish, adding a touch of fresh color. The creamy sauce appears smooth and thick, covering the pasta without dripping. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine thoroughly with the sauce and chicken.
Step 6: Mix in the shredded white cheddar cheese and stir until it has melted completely and the sauce is smooth.
Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use smoked gouda or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
For extra veggies, toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking.
Substitute honey with maple syrup for a milder sweetness.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the smoked paprika.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with bow-tie pasta, coated in a creamy, light-colored sauce. On top of the pasta are pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized cubes. Small bits of green garnish, likely chopped herbs, are scattered over the chicken and pasta, adding a touch of color. The sauce has a smooth, slightly shiny texture, and the chicken pieces appear tender with a lightly seared surface. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne and rotini work well because their shapes hold the sauce nicely, but you can substitute with fusilli, rigatoni, or even macaroni.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can swap out the butter, heavy cream, and cheddar for dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter, coconut cream, and plant-based cheese, though the flavor profile will change slightly.