This Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta is a bold, comforting twist on classic pasta night. With tender bites of chicken coated in a smoky-sweet honey BBQ sauce, tossed in a rich cheddar cheese cream sauce, this dish brings together the best of tangy, creamy, and cheesy in one irresistible skillet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s packed with flavor and comes together fast, making it perfect for weeknights when I want something easy and satisfying. The combo of honey BBQ sauce with melted cheddar gives it a sweet and savory kick that keeps me coming back for more. It’s family-friendly, totally customizable, and tastes like something from a BBQ joint—with way less effort.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil or butter
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- Honey BBQ sauce
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Onion (optional, for more depth)
- Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
directions
- I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- If using, I sauté some finely chopped onion in the same skillet until softened.
- I reduce the heat, then stir in the BBQ sauce and cream. I let it simmer for a few minutes so it thickens slightly.
- While that simmers, I cook the pasta according to the package directions and drain it.
- I stir shredded cheddar (and cream cheese, if using) into the sauce until it melts into a creamy mixture.
- I return the chicken to the pan and toss in the cooked pasta, stirring until everything is well coated.
- I garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve it warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4–6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap the chicken for shredded rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken to save time. If I want to add veggies, sautéed bell peppers or corn go great in this dish. For a smokier twist, I use smoked cheddar or a mix of cheddar and gouda. When I’m in the mood for spice, I add a dash of chipotle powder or hot sauce to the sauce.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the microwave or a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to bring back that silky texture. The sauce can thicken in the fridge, but it loosens up nicely when warmed gently.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of BBQ sauce?
Yes, I like using honey BBQ for that sweet-savory balance, but spicy or smoky versions work great too—it just changes the flavor profile a bit.
What type of pasta is best?
I go with short pastas like penne, rotini, or shells because they hold the sauce well, but any pasta I have on hand will do the job.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I’ve made it earlier in the day and reheated it for dinner. I just add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it creamy.
Is there a dairy-free version?
To make it dairy-free, I use a plant-based cream and cheese alternative. The flavor changes a bit, but it still tastes great with the BBQ sauce as the main highlight.
Can I bake it into a casserole?
Absolutely. I mix everything, pour it into a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for about 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Conclusion
Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta is my go-to when I want bold flavor and creamy comfort in one dish. It’s quick, cheesy, and full of BBQ goodness, making it perfect for busy nights or anytime I want something a little indulgent. Every bite hits that sweet, smoky, and cheesy note just right.
Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, Skillet Meals
- Method: Stovetop, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta is a bold, cheesy, and comforting dinner recipe featuring juicy chicken, smoky-sweet honey BBQ sauce, and a rich cheddar cheese cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-skillet pasta dish delivers BBQ flavor in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil or butter
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- Honey BBQ sauce
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Onion (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- (Optional) Sauté chopped onion in the same skillet until softened.
- Reduce heat and stir in honey BBQ sauce and cream. Simmer to thicken slightly.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain.
- Stir shredded cheddar (and optional cream cheese) into the sauce until smooth and creamy.
- Return chicken and pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve warm.
Notes
- Swap chicken for shredded rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or corn for extra texture and flavor.
- Use smoked cheddar or a blend of cheddar and gouda for a deeper taste.
- Add hot sauce or chipotle powder for a spicy kick.
- To bake as a casserole, top with cheese and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
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