Introduction
Craving comfort food with a kick? Look no further than this Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta! It’s a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the smoky sweetness of BBQ chicken with the cheesy goodness of cheddar pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more!
Main Sections
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and honey. Pour the sauce over the chicken, onions, and garlic in the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Reduce heat to low and cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly.
- Serve and garnish: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips & Variations
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Add veggies: Sauté some bell peppers or corn along with the onions for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for a unique flavor.
- Make it healthier: Use whole wheat pasta and light cream cheese instead of heavy cream.
- Prep ahead: Cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to eat, simply combine them with the sauce.
Conclusion
This Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta recipe is a winner! It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving comfort food. The combination of sweet and smoky flavors with creamy cheese and perfectly cooked pasta is simply irresistible. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using #HoneyBBQChickenPasta!
