Description
A creamy and flavorful skillet pasta dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a smoky white cheddar honey butter sauce. This easy one-pan meal combines savory spices with a touch of sweetness, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & 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
Pasta & Liquids
- 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Butter & Cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, about 9-11 minutes depending on the pasta type. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare sauce base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Stir in honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful seasoning base.
- Cook chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook them, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will help blend the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Combine pasta: Add the drained pasta into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly in the rich sauce.
- Melt cheese: Mix in the shredded white cheddar cheese gradually, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Final seasoning and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish the dish with sliced green onions before serving to add a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly shredded white cheddar cheese to ensure smooth melting.
- Use penne or rotini pasta for better sauce absorption and texture.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Adjust the amount of honey to your preferred sweetness level.
- This dish can be reheated on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: smoky chicken pasta, white cheddar honey butter sauce, skillet pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner, one-pan pasta
