Picture this: tender bites of juicy chicken tossed with golden pasta, all bathed in a luscious, smoky white cheddar sauce that hints at honey and butter in every forkful. That’s exactly what you’ll find in this Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet. It’s the kind of meal that feels both gourmet and deeply comforting — a skillet full of bold flavor, melty cheese, and just the right touch of sweet smokiness. This is weeknight dining at its most delicious, with every creamy, cheesy bite delivering layers of mouthwatering satisfaction.

Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep things delightfully simple — each ingredient here is chosen for maximum impact, bringing its own magic to the finished Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet. Don’t skip or swap without a quick thought; this combination delivers that unbeatable flavor and beautifully silky sauce.

Chicken breasts: Tender, boneless, skinless pieces form the hearty base and soak up the smoky, cheesy sauce.
Olive oil: For browning the chicken and kickstarting the savory flavors in your skillet.
Butter: Adds luxurious richness and forms a classic pairing with honey.
Honey: Just a tablespoon gives wonderful sweetness and accentuates the smoky notes.
Smoked paprika: Infuses a deep, satisfying smokiness without being overpowering.
Garlic powder: Delivers steady, gentle garlic flavor throughout the sauce.
Onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning for a full-bodied, savory taste.
Salt: Brightens and elevates every component of the dish — season generously but thoughtfully.
Black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and classic seasoning.
Minced garlic: For that punchy, aromatic depth you can smell as soon as it hits the skillet.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect if you want the sauce to have a little kick.
Chicken broth: Lends savory body and helps meld the flavors together.
Heavy cream: The foundation of that unforgettable silky, creamy sauce.
Shredded white cheddar cheese: The star ingredient, giving body and sharpness to the sauce — try smoked white cheddar for extra depth.
Short pasta (like penne or rotini): The ideal vessels to hold onto plenty of rich sauce in each bite.
Cream cheese: Adds tang and helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta and chicken.
Chopped fresh parsley: A bright, fresh finishing touch that wakes up the whole dish.
Additional salt and pepper: Final seasoning to taste for that perfect balance.

How to Make Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by getting a big pot of salted water bubbling on the stove, then toss in your favorite short pasta. Cook it until just al dente — you want pasta that holds its shape and has a little bite because it will cook a touch more in the sauce. Once it’s done, drain and set aside, ready to soak up all that creamy, smoky goodness.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, then season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the chicken cook until it’s beautifully golden on the outside and fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Browning the chicken here builds a wonderful foundation of flavor for the rest of the dish.

Step 3: Infuse the Sauce with Honey Butter & Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium, then add the butter, honey, and fresh minced garlic directly to the skillet. Stir everything together, coating the chicken so each piece is glossy and fragrant. Give it a minute or two for the garlic to bloom and fill your kitchen with delicious aromas — this step is where that trademark sweet/smoky balance begins to come alive!

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Now, if you love a touch of heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then give it all a good stir to get those flavors mingling. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer; then, drop in the cream cheese, making sure to melt it completely for an ultra-smooth sauce. Gradually sprinkle in the shredded white cheddar, stirring constantly — your sauce should become thick, creamy, and glossy.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta to your skillet. Toss everything so each piece of chicken and pasta is generously coated in that irresistible creamy, smoky white cheddar honey butter sauce. Let it all cook together for another minute or two so the flavors fully develop, then taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a hint of color and freshness.

How to Serve Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is a classic finishing touch, but don’t stop there — consider a dusting of extra smoked paprika, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or even a handful of crispy bacon bits for a little crunch. A final swirl of honey over the top highlights the sweet-and-savory balance in this Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet. Serve straight from the skillet and watch as everyone dives in!

Side Dishes

This pasta skillet is rich and satisfying but pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Try a fresh green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette, simple roasted or steamed vegetables (like broccoli or asparagus), or even a slice of toasted sourdough for sopping up any leftover sauce. If you want to lean into comfort, warm garlic bread makes this meal absolutely unforgettable.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet family-style in the skillet for a rustic, inviting look that encourages second helpings. For a fancier touch, portion it into shallow bowls and garnish with microgreens and an extra drizzle of honey. If you’re entertaining, spoon the pasta into individual ramekins or small gratin dishes, top with a bit of more white cheddar, and broil briefly for a bubbly crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet holds up well for up to 3 days. Just know that the sauce may thicken slightly in the fridge, waiting for you to bring it back to its creamy glory.

Freezing

While the sauce is best enjoyed fresh for ultimate creaminess, you can freeze leftovers in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool the pasta completely before freezing. The cream cheese and cheddar may separate a bit when thawed, but a gentle stir while reheating will help bring things back together.

Reheating

To get your pasta skillet tasting just-cooked again, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in thirty-second bursts, stirring in between, until evenly warmed through. Always taste and add a touch more salt, pepper, or fresh parsley if needed to refresh those bold flavors.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and a richer flavor to the Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet. Just make sure to trim any excess fat and cut them into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

What pasta shapes work best in this recipe?

Short, ridged pastas like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are perfect because they grab onto the creamy sauce with every bite. Fusilli and shells are other terrific options. Avoid delicate or very thin shapes, as they won’t hold up as well in the hearty sauce.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Definitely! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter sauce, but keep in mind the texture will be a bit thinner. You can also use less cheese or add extra steamed veggies like spinach or broccoli to bulk up the dish with fewer calories.

Can I make this Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet vegetarian?

You sure can. Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even chickpeas for hearty, plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, and the rest of the flavors will still shine through beautifully.

What’s the best way to get an extra smoky flavor?

Try adding a few drops of liquid smoke or using smoked white cheddar if you can find it. You can also increase the smoked paprika to your taste, but start gradually and taste as you go so the smokiness doesn’t overpower the dish’s creamy, sweet balance.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s creamy, a little smoky, and has that dreamy touch of honey butter, this Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet truly delivers. Every skilletful is a celebration of flavor and comfort, ready to make any night feel special. Give it a whirl in your kitchen — your taste buds and loved ones will thank you!

Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Creamy Smoky White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet. A flavorful combination of tender chicken, smoky spices, and a luscious cheese sauce, all tossed with pasta for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce:

1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Additional salt and pepper to taste

Pasta:

8 ounces short pasta (like penne or rotini)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken: Sear chicken with seasonings until browned and cooked through.
Make Sauce: Add butter, honey, garlic, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Melt in cream cheese and white cheddar.
Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until coated. Adjust seasoning and garnish with parsley.