White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta: 5 Reasons to Indulge

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta! It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl, combining creamy white cheddar with a touch of honey that just dances on your taste buds. The shredded chicken adds heartiness, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend feast. This dish is not just delicious; it’s also super easy to whip up! You won’t believe how simple it is to have a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on your regular rotation!

Ingredients List

  • 8 oz pasta (your choice, I love using penne for this dish!)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here!)
  • 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded (the creamier, the better!)
  • 1/2 cup honey (adjust to your sweetness preference)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (for that luscious, rich sauce)
  • 2 tbsp butter (unsalted is my go-to)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (adds a lovely depth of flavor)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this, it really brings everything together!)

How to Prepare White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta

Alright, let’s get cooking! This White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta comes together so quickly, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. While that’s happening, grab a skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s nice and bubbly, toss in your shredded chicken and sprinkle in the garlic powder, stirring until everything is heated through and fragrant.

Next, pour in the heavy cream and honey, mixing it all together until you have a beautiful, creamy sauce. Now, here’s where the magic happens! Add in your cooked pasta and the shredded white cheddar cheese. Give it a good stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and voila! You’ve got a creamy, dreamy pasta dish that’s ready to serve hot.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Boil salted water and cook 8 oz pasta until al dente.
  2. In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
  3. Add 2 cups shredded chicken and 1 tsp garlic powder; stir until heated.
  4. Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup honey; mix until combined.
  5. Add the drained pasta and 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese; stir until cheese melts.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste; serve hot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
  • Creamy texture that wraps around each piece of pasta, making every bite a delight.
  • A hint of sweetness from honey balances the savory flavors beautifully.
  • Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
  • It’s a crowd-pleaser—everyone will be asking for seconds!
  • Comfort food at its finest, bringing warmth to your dinner table.

Tips for Success

Here are my go-to tips to make your White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta absolutely perfect! First off, if you like it sweeter, feel free to add more honey to suit your taste. Just remember, a little goes a long way! For the pasta, you can totally swap in whole wheat or gluten-free options if that’s your jam. Don’t forget to reserve a splash of pasta water before draining; it’s great for adjusting the sauce consistency if needed. And for an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat—trust me, it’s a game changer!

Nutritional Information

This White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also packed with satisfying nutrients! Each serving (about 1 cup) has an estimated 550 calories, 30g of fat, 30g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used!

FAQ Section

Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! While white cheddar gives it a nice creaminess, you can mix things up with mozzarella or even gouda for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare everything and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stovetop and add a splash of cream to refresh the sauce.

What should I serve with this pasta? A simple side salad or steamed veggies works wonders to balance the richness. You could also go for some garlic bread!

Is this recipe suitable for freezing? It is, but I recommend freezing it before adding the cheese. Just make sure to thaw and add the cheese fresh when ready to serve for the best texture!

What if I want a lighter version? You can definitely lighten it up by using less butter and cream. Substituting with low-fat milk or yogurt works great, too!

Serving Suggestions

To make your meal truly special, pair this White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. It balances the creamy richness beautifully! You could also serve it alongside some buttery garlic bread for that extra comfort. Yum!

For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!

For a great side dish, consider making honey-glazed carrots to complement your pasta!

For tips on cooking pasta perfectly, you can refer to this Food Network guide (rel=”nofollow”).

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White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta

White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta: 5 Reasons to Indulge

  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, white cheddar, and a hint of honey for sweetness.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  3. Add the chicken and garlic powder to the pan, stirring until heated through.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and honey, stirring to combine.
  5. Add the cooked pasta and white cheddar cheese, mixing until cheese is melted.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • Adjust honey according to your sweetness preference.
  • Substitute pasta with whole wheat for a healthier option.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: White Cheddar Honey Butter Chicken Pasta

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