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Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta Recipes

Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta Recipes

Looking for a quick, flavorful dinner everyone will love? This Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta Recipe is perfect.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
  • 8 ounces pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions
  

Cook the Pasta

  • Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water for later.

Cook the Chicken

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add diced chicken. Cook 5 minutes until golden and heated through.

Add Barbecue Sauce

  • Stir in barbecue sauce and honey. Mix well to coat chicken evenly in the sweet and tangy sauce.

Add Cream

  • Pour heavy cream into the skillet. Stir to make a creamy, smooth sauce with chicken and BBQ flavors.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

  • Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat all pasta pieces evenly in the sauce.

Add Cheese

  • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over pasta. Stir until cheese melts and the sauce becomes gooey.

Adjust Seasoning

  • Taste the pasta. Add salt and black pepper as needed to enhance flavor.

Add Pasta Water if Needed

  • If sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water at a time until creamy consistency is achieved.

Garnish and Serve

  • Transfer pasta to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm for best flavor.

Optional Toppings

  • Add extra shredded cheese, a drizzle of honey or more barbecue sauce for extra taste.

Notes

  • Chicken Options: Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
  • Cheese Variations: Try Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor and melt.
  • Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for heat.
  • Vegetables: Add steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or corn to make it more hearty.
  • Make Ahead: Cook chicken and pasta ahead of time, then combine with sauce when ready.
  • Leftovers: Pasta tastes great reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Keyword Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta Recipes