Description

Looking for your next comfort food favorite? This Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta is where smoky-sweet meets creamy-cheesy magic. It’s a quick dinner idea that’s loaded with tender chicken, tangy honey BBQ sauce, and melty cheddar—all wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy food ideas, or when you need a satisfying meal that’s both simple and packed with flavor. With rich textures and bold flavors, it’s an easy dinner the whole family will devour. Whether you’re brainstorming new dinner ideas or craving a hearty lunch, this one’s a keeper!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
12 oz penne pasta (or other short pasta)
1 cup honey BBQ sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream or 2 oz cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Reserved pasta water (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add cooked chicken and warm through.
Stir in honey BBQ sauce and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add cream cheese or heavy cream (if using) and stir until smooth and creamy.
Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined.
Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, with extra cheese on top if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes