Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet

Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy weeknight dinner? Look no further than this Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet! This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, a luscious white cheddar sauce infused with smoky paprika and a touch of sweet honey butter, all in one delicious skillet. Forget complicated recipes and multiple dishes – this recipe is designed for busy cooks who appreciate big flavor without the fuss. Imagine the rich, creamy texture coating every strand of pasta, the savory chicken perfectly complemented by the subtle sweetness of honey and the smoky depth of paprika. It’s a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Get ready to experience a culinary adventure that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to create. This Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet is destined to become a family favorite, a go-to for potlucks, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Let’s dive into the details and make this delicious masterpiece together!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make. Everything cooks together in one skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing efficiency. Perfect for busy weeknights! Second, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level, add your favorite vegetables, or swap out the pasta for a gluten-free alternative. Third, the flavor profile is simply irresistible. The combination of creamy white cheddar, smoky paprika, and sweet honey butter creates a unique and unforgettable taste that will have everyone asking for seconds. Fourth, it’s a complete meal in one pan! Protein, carbs, and a delicious sauce – everything you need for a satisfying dinner. Finally, it’s budget-friendly. The ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive, making it a perfect choice for those on a budget. This Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet truly offers the best of all worlds: ease, versatility, incredible flavor, and affordability.

Why You Should Try This Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet

Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet offers several compelling reasons to give it a try. Firstly, it’s a one-pan wonder, reducing dishwashing and kitchen clutter. In today’s busy world, that’s a huge win! Secondly, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken. Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly, transforming leftovers into a gourmet meal. Thirdly, it’s a great option for meal prepping. You can easily double or triple the recipe and store leftovers for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Fourthly, it’s highly adaptable. Love mushrooms? Add them! Prefer a spicier kick? Increase the paprika! The possibilities are endless. Lastly, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This dish has a universal appeal, satisfying both adults and children with its creamy texture and irresistible flavors. So, why wait? Give this Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet a try and discover a new family favorite!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (keyword: cubed chicken)
• Pasta: 1 lb penne pasta (keyword: penne pasta), or your favorite short pasta shape. Consider gluten-free options for dietary restrictions.
• White Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (keyword: sharp white cheddar cheese). A blend of white cheddar and Monterey Jack also works well.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (keyword: unsalted butter)
• Honey: 2 tablespoons honey (keyword: honey)
• Smoked Paprika: 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (keyword: smoked paprika), for a deep smoky flavor.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon garlic powder (keyword: garlic powder)
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon onion powder (keyword: onion powder)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon salt (keyword: salt)
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (keyword: black pepper)
• Milk or Cream: 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream (keyword: heavy cream) for extra richness
• Optional additions: 1 cup chopped broccoli florets, 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish.

Recommended Tools and Utensils:

• Large skillet (12-inch or larger) – cast iron is ideal but not essential (keyword: cast iron skillet)
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large pot for boiling pasta (if not using a pasta cooker)
• Colander for draining pasta
• Cheese grater (if you’re not using pre-shredded cheese)

Detailed Recipe Steps for Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. Tip: Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken: In the large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aroma. Tip: Toasting the spices enhances their flavor significantly.

Step 4: Create the Sauce: Pour in the milk or cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and whisk in the shredded white cheddar cheese until it’s melted and smooth. Stir in the honey and season with salt and pepper to taste. Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. If using optional vegetables, add them during this step and cook until tender-crisp. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet!

Tips and Variations for Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet

Ingredient Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a blend of cheeses would all work well. You can also substitute the honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Dietary Variations: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. OviaRecipes has some great vegetarian pasta recipes that you might like.

Avoiding Common Mistakes: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken, as this will prevent proper browning. Ensure the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth before adding the pasta. Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it out.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Use a nutrition calculator for precise values.)

This Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet provides a good source of protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the pasta, and calcium and fat from the cheese. The chicken is a lean protein source, contributing to muscle growth and repair. The pasta provides energy and fiber. White cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth. The honey adds a touch of natural sweetness and antioxidants. Smoked paprika provides a flavor boost and contains antioxidants. Remember to adjust portion sizes to meet your individual dietary needs and goals. This recipe is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

FAQ: Answers to Common Questions about Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet

Q: Can I use leftover cooked chicken? A: Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe? A: Yes! Broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach are all great additions.

Q: What if my sauce is too thick? A: Add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: It’s best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for freezing? A: While not ideal, you can freeze this. However, the texture of the pasta may change upon thawing.

Q: Can I use different types of pasta? A: Yes, feel free to experiment with other short pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or fusilli.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet!

This Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet is a true culinary masterpiece – simple to make, yet bursting with incredible flavor. The combination of creamy cheese, smoky paprika, and sweet honey butter creates a truly unforgettable taste experience. We hope you’ve enjoyed this detailed recipe and found it helpful. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us by commenting below and sharing your photos on social media! We can’t wait to see your delicious results. Remember to check out OviaRecipes for more amazing recipe ideas. Happy cooking!

For more information on the history and cultural significance of cheese, please visit Wikipedia’s page on cheese.

Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet

A quick and easy one-pan pasta dish featuring smoky chicken, creamy white cheddar cheese sauce, and a touch of honey for sweetness. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Cooked Chicken Breast Cubed
• 1 lb Pasta Penne, rotini, or other short pasta
• 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
• 4 tbsp Butter
• 2 cloves Garlic Minced
• 1 cup White Cheddar Cheese Shredded
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 tbsp Honey
• to taste Salt and Pepper

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and smoked paprika, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add cooked chicken to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
• Stir in drained pasta, heavy cream, and honey. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens.
• Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded white cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Add a little pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also substitute other cheeses, such as Gruyere or Fontina.

Keyword chicken, delicious, easy, one-pan, pasta, quick