Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta is a fantastic dish that combines the comforting flavors of pasta, savory chicken, and sweet honey BBQ sauce. This meal is easy to make and perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy family dinner. With its creamy texture and rich taste, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, you can have it ready in under 30 minutes!
How to Make Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the chicken broth over medium heat.
- Add the cooked chicken and honey BBQ sauce, stirring until well combined.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and mix everything together well.
- Finally, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta
This dish can be served as a main course. It goes well with a simple side salad or some garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.
How to Store Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta
If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. When you are ready to eat it again, reheat the pasta on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
Tips to Make Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey BBQ sauce to suit your taste.
- For a little kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrients. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with a low-fat alternative or use Greek yogurt.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding or dicing.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option for the pasta?
A: Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta like quinoa or rice pasta in this recipe.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: You can add hot sauce to the honey BBQ sauce or mix in some sliced jalapeños when cooking the chicken.
Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta Use any preferred pasta shape.
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted for a low-fat alternative.
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce Adjust sweetness to taste.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Protein Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced Use leftover rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; then drain and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat the chicken broth over medium heat.
- Add the cooked chicken and honey BBQ sauce, stirring until well combined.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and mix everything together well.
- Finally, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts.
Serving
- Serve warm and enjoy.