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.
