Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz dried pasta (Penne, Rotini, or Bowtie work best)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Before draining, reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
- Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Sear the chicken for 5–7 minutes until it is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Step 3: Create the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add two tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the honey and stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken slightly. Toss the cooked chicken bites back into the skillet, coating every piece thoroughly in the sticky glaze. Remove the chicken from the pan once more to prevent it from overcooking.
- Step 4: Prepare the Cheesy Sauce: Wipe the skillet briefly or use a clean pot. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the heavy cream. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the cheddar and parmesan cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Step 5: Combine and Plating: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss until every noodle is coated. Season the pasta with a pinch of salt and pepper. Divide the cheesy pasta into four bowls and top each serving with a generous portion of the honey butter garlic chicken bites. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.
- Cook Time: 35 minutes