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Creamy Chicken Pasta Swee Like O: Honey-Kissed Comfort

Al dente pasta swirled in a luscious, honey-infused cream sauce with savory notes.

Janelle

By Janelle

Updated: January 18, 2026

Why I Love This Recipe

Comfort food gets a sophisticated upgrade with this Creamy Chicken Pasta Swee Like O. This isn't your average weeknight pasta dish; it's a symphony of savory and sweet, where the richness of the cream is perfectly balanced by the subtle floral notes of honey. Inspired by the Italian tradition of *agrodolce* – the art of balancing sweet and sour flavors – this dish offers a delightful culinary experience that's both familiar and unexpectedly exciting. The addition of chicken elevates it to a satisfying, complete meal, ideal for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.

  • •Honeyed Harmony - The touch of honey creates a unique sweet-savory flavor profile that elevates the creamy sauce.
  • •Velvety Texture - The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luxuriously smooth and coating sauce.
  • •Simple Elegance - It requires minimal ingredients and effort, yet delivers maximum flavor and impact.
  • •Family-Friendly Appeal - The familiar pasta and chicken combination makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
  • •Satisfyingly Hearty - A comforting and filling meal, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave something indulgent.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.

  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 lb Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup Chicken broth
  • 1.5 cups Heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
  • 2 tbsp Honey
  • 1 tsp Dried Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Be sure to salt the water generously as this will season the pasta itself. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

    ~10 min

    Tip: Don't overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
  2. 2

    While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer slightly before you add the chicken.

    ~2 min

    Tip: Ensure the skillet is hot enough to get a good sear on the chicken.
  3. 3

    Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

    ~7 min

    Tip: Don't overcrowd the skillet; cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
  4. 4

    In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. You should be able to smell the sweetness of the onions as they cook.

    ~4 min

    Tip: If the skillet seems dry, add a little more olive oil.
  5. 5

    Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

    ~1 min

    Tip: Keep the heat low to prevent the garlic from burning.
  6. 6

    Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze, lifting any browned bits. These browned bits add a lot of flavor to the sauce.

    ~2 min

    Tip: Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the skillet effectively.
  7. 7

    Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, honey, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.

    ~3 min

    Tip: Stir constantly to prevent the cheese from clumping.
  8. 8

    Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. The sauce should be able to coat the back of a spoon.

    ~7 min

    Tip: Adjust the simmering time to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
  9. 9

    Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.

    ~1 min

    Tip: Ensure the chicken is heated through.
  10. 10

    Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy sauce. Add a little of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

    ~2 min

    Tip: Start with a small amount of pasta water and add more as needed.
  11. 11

    Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The honey balances the salt, but you may need to add a pinch more of either to achieve the perfect balance.

    ~1 min

    Tip: Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end.
  12. 12

    Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of fresh parsley also adds a nice pop of color and freshness.

    0
    Tip: A side of garlic bread complements this dish perfectly.

How Do I Know It's Ready?

The pasta should be al dente, and the sauce should be thick enough to coat the noodles evenly. The chicken should be cooked through and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

While it's best served immediately, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the pasta and chicken just before serving and combine with the sauce.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Creamy Chicken Pasta Swee Like O: Honey-Kissed Comfort as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!