Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta
Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta is a delightful blend of comfort and zest that will have your taste buds dancing. The dish combines creamy textures and rich flavors, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for family dinners or quick weeknight meals. With its enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen, this recipe promises to become a family favorite. Worth making for any occasion, it combines creamy cheddar cheese and tender chicken with a hint of sweetness from honey BBQ sauce, making it a delightful combination that everyone will love.
This recipe features a step-by-step approach, ensuring even novice cooks can confidently prepare a delicious meal. Let’s explore why you’ll fall head over heels for this sumptuous dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the most appealing aspects of Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta is its simplicity. With easy prep, minimal ingredients, and quick cooking time, it’s designed for both busy weeknights and lazy weekends. You can whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to option for anyone looking to create a satisfying meal without breaking a sweat.
This dish is family-friendly, catering to various taste preferences with its creamy sauce and tender chicken. Even picky eaters will find themselves coming back for seconds!
Ingredients for Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta
To create this delicious pasta dish, gather the following ingredients. Each one adds unique flavors and textures that come together beautifully.
- 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta): The perfect vehicle for holding the creamy sauce.
- Salted water for boiling: Essential for seasoning the pasta as it cooks.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded: Tender and juicy, this protein is the star of the dish.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: For that aromatic kick.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the dish.
- 2 tbsp butter: For sautéing and creating a luscious sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic for added flavor.
- 1 tbsp flour: To thicken the sauce.
- 1 cup milk: Creates the creamy base for the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping): Melty goodness that ties everything together.
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce: The sweet and tangy twist that elevates the dish.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: For added creaminess and tang.
- Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat: A spicy touch for those who like a bit of zing.
Step-by-Step Directions for Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step directions for making this mouthwatering dish.
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: Season the cooked chicken breast with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. If using leftovers, warm them up in a pan for extra flavor.
Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the butter and garlic mixture. Whisk until golden and slightly thickened. Gradually whisk in the milk, allowing it to thicken slightly to create a creamy base.
Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a smooth and creamy sauce.
Combine Ingredients: Pour in the honey BBQ sauce and sour cream. Stir everything until well blended and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Mix in Pasta and Chicken: Fold in the drained pasta and prepared chicken, thoroughly coating everything in the creamy sauce.
Top with Extra Cheddar: Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top and allow it to melt into the hot pasta.
Serve Warm: Your Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it warm for a delightful family meal.
Tips & Tricks for Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta
Chef’s Secret: To elevate the flavors, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, which contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the honey BBQ sauce.
Optional Extras: Incorporate vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Cooking Hacks: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as a quick substitute for cooked chicken breast.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
To enhance your dining experience, serve Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Complement the meal with garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up any leftover creamy sauce. For a refreshing touch, pair the dish with iced lemonade or sparkling water infused with citrus slices.
Nutritional Information
While indulging in a creamy delight, it’s essential to consider the nutritional value. A serving of Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta contains approximately 540 calories. It’s packed with protein from the chicken and cheese, while the carbohydrates from the pasta provide energy. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
Storing Tips & Variations for Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.
For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat pasta or substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a fun flavor variation.
Conclusion for Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta
Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to please any palate. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and the sweet twist of honey BBQ, this pasta dish is an invitation to gather your loved ones around the dinner table. Don’t wait any longer—try this delightful recipe today and make mealtime memorable!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the dish.
2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure your sauces are certified gluten-free.
3. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers make great additions.
4. How long does this dish last in the fridge?
Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
5. Can I serve this dish cold?
While this dish is best served warm, you can enjoy it cold as a pasta salad leftover meal.
Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Cooking Essentials
- 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta) The perfect vehicle for holding the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded Tender and juicy, this protein is the star of the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic for added flavor.
- 2 tbsp butter For sautéing and creating a luscious sauce.
- 1 tbsp flour To thicken the sauce.
- 1 cup milk Creates the creamy base for the sauce.
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce The sweet and tangy twist that elevates the dish.
- 1/4 cup sour cream For added creaminess and tang.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder For that aromatic kick.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
- Salt and black pepper to taste Salt and black pepper to taste Essential seasonings to enhance the dish.
- 1/2 tsp cayenne (optional) A spicy touch for those who like a bit of zing.
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping) Melty goodness that ties everything together.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season the cooked chicken breast with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. If using leftovers, warm them up in a pan for extra flavor.
Making the Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the butter and garlic mixture. Whisk until golden and slightly thickened. Gradually whisk in the milk, allowing it to thicken slightly to create a creamy base.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Pour in the honey BBQ sauce and sour cream. Stir everything until well blended and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Combining and Serving
- Fold in the drained pasta and prepared chicken, thoroughly coating everything in the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top and allow it to melt into the hot pasta.
- Serve warm for a delightful family meal.