Irresistible Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta Recipe

Imagine a plate piled high with creamy pasta enveloped in a rich, honey BBQ sauce, tender chicken nestled among the twirls of cheesy goodness. The aroma wafts through the air, making your stomach grumble and your mouth water. Creamy BBQ Chicken Sausage Pasta This Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience that dances on your taste buds and warms your heart! Cheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta.

On a rainy afternoon, I decided to whip up this dish for my family. As the first spoonful hit their lips, I witnessed pure bliss transform their faces into smiles that rivaled any sunshine breaking through the clouds. It’s perfect for cozy nights or unexpected guests who will adore its comforting flavors.

I once made this recipe for a family gathering, and the kids declared me the “Pasta Wizard.” Their delighted faces were priceless!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust according to your crowd size.
• Elbow Macaroni: Use small pasta to easily catch the creamy sauce and bits of chicken.
• Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese for that rich and creamy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds flavor; grate it fresh for an extra melty experience.
• Honey BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade version for the best flavor.
• Fresh Spinach (optional): Adds color and nutrients; toss in right before serving for freshness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors in the dish.
• Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and preventing sticking during sautéing.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Ensure no pink remains inside.

Create the Sauce: In the same skillet with residual oil, lower heat and add cream cheese along with honey BBQ sauce. Stir until smooth and aromatic; this will be your luxurious sauce base.

Add Cheddar Cheese: Gradually mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted into gooey perfection. Take a moment to enjoy that inviting cheesy aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Toss Everything Together: Add cooked macaroni to the skillet with sauce. Gently stir until pasta is well-coated with creamy goodness; fold in spinach if using.

Season and Serve!: Taste your creation then season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with extra cheese on top if desired or even some crushed chips for crunch!

With every bite of this Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta, you’ll be reminded why comfort food reigns supreme! Enjoy making memories around this delightful dish! Honey Butter Buffalo Chicken Pasta. Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce. This way, everything comes together seamlessly, ensuring maximum flavor and minimal dishwashing.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cheddar for your favorite cheese or toss in seasonal veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Experiment with different BBQ sauces to create a unique flavor profile that suits your palate.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess and avoid drying out the pasta.

Cooking this creamy honey BBQ chicken & cheddar pasta reminded me of a family gathering where everyone went back for seconds, leaving only crumbs behind. It was heartwarming to share such joy through food! For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.

FAQ

What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?

You can use mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor twist in the recipe.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it earlier in the day and reheat just before serving for convenience.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well and tastes great even after reheating later in the week.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6 people 1x

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Description

Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. Tender chicken is enveloped in a luscious honey BBQ sauce, mixed with cheesy elbow macaroni, creating an irresistible combination that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this recipe is simple to make while delivering a taste explosion that warms the heart.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
3. Create the sauce: Lower heat in the same skillet, add cream cheese and honey BBQ sauce, stirring until smooth.
4. Add cheddar cheese: Gradually mix in shredded cheddar until melted and aromatic.
5. Combine: Toss cooked macaroni into the skillet with the sauce, mixing well; fold in spinach if using.
6. Season and serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with additional cheese or crushed chips on top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg