Name: Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Meal Prep
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 chicken breasts, cubed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 2 teaspoons salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons avocado oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups heavy cream; ½ cup freshly grated mozzarella; ½ cup freshly grated cheddar cheese; 12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

You know those Sunday evenings when you’re staring at the fridge, dreading the week ahead? That was me every single week until I cracked the code with this honey butter chicken pasta meal prep. It all started when my youngest declared war on all vegetables and my husband begged for something “that doesn’t taste like health food.” The moment that sweet honey butter sauce hit the crispy chicken and twirled around tender pasta, I knew we’d struck gold. Now it’s our weekly lifesaver – that perfect balance of sticky-sweet chicken and creamy comfort that comes together in 30 minutes flat. The best part? Those hectic Wednesday nights when I can just grab a container from the fridge instead of cooking from scratch. Pure magic, I tell you!

This recipe reminds me of those cozy family dinners at my grandma’s house – where everything tasted like love and nobody cared about calories. But here’s the modern twist: it actually fits into our crazy schedule. That honey butter glaze? It’s my grandma’s secret weapon for making cheap chicken breasts taste luxurious. The creamy pasta? Just enough indulgence to feel special without requiring a nap afterward. I’ve served this to picky toddlers, hungry teenagers, and even my gourmet-food-snob brother-in-law – and every single one asks for seconds. That’s when you know you’ve got a real family dinner winner on your hands.

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Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Oh honey (pun totally intended), this recipe is about to become your new best friend! Here’s why:

30 minutes flat – From fridge to meal prep containers faster than you can say “takeout menu”
Kid-approved magic – That sweet honey butter glaze makes even picky eaters clean their plates
Perfect flavor balance – Just enough sweetness from the honey to make the savory chicken and creamy pasta sing
Meal prep superstar – Stays fresh in the fridge all week without getting soggy (trust me, I’ve tested it!)
Budget-friendly – Uses simple ingredients you probably already have, no fancy grocery runs needed

Seriously, this dish checks all the boxes – quick, delicious, and practical. What more could a busy cook ask for?

Ingredients for Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Alright, let’s get shopping! Here’s everything you’ll need to make this honey butter chicken pasta magic happen. I’ve broken it down into two parts so you can grab ingredients as you go. Trust me – every single one plays a special role in creating that perfect sweet-savory dance of flavors.

For the Honey Butter Chicken

3 chicken breasts, cubed into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch)
2 tablespoons olive oil (the good stuff for marinading)
4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best here, no cheating with the powdered kind!)
2 teaspoons smoked paprika (this gives that amazing depth of flavor)
2 teaspoons garlic powder (because you can never have too much garlic)
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh if you’re feeling fancy)
2 teaspoons salt (I use kosher – it seasons more evenly)
½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked if possible)
3 tablespoons avocado oil (for cooking – higher smoke point than olive oil)
2 tablespoons butter (unsalted so we control the saltiness)
1 tablespoon honey (local if you can get it – the flavor is unreal)
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (for that bright finish)

For the Creamy Garlic Pasta

2 tablespoons butter (yes, more butter – this is comfort food after all)
4 cloves garlic, minced (see? I told you we love garlic)
2 cups heavy cream (don’t skimp – this makes the sauce luxuriously velvety)
½ cup freshly grated mozzarella (pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly)
½ cup freshly grated cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar for maximum flavor)
12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente (meaning still with a tiny bite to it)
2 teaspoons smoked paprika (ties in beautifully with the chicken)
2 teaspoons garlic powder (I wasn’t kidding about the garlic obsession)
2 teaspoons salt (season in layers, my friends)
½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked, same as before)

Here’s the secret – these ingredients form the base, but we can totally customize! Check out my favorite swaps below if you need to adapt this budget-friendly dinner for your crew.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Okay, real talk – we don’t always have every ingredient when inspiration strikes. Here’s how to make it work:

Out of heavy cream? Try half-and-half mixed with a tablespoon of flour for thickening, or Greek yogurt for tang (add it at the very end off heat).
No fresh herbs? Dried works – just use half the amount since they’re more concentrated.
Gluten-free? Any short pasta shape works beautifully (I love brown rice elbows).
Want more heat? Add chili flakes to the chicken marinade or smoked paprika for extra depth.
Short on time? Pre-cut chicken or frozen cubed chicken (thawed) works in a pinch.

The smoked paprika might seem fancy, but it’s the flavor MVP here – it adds that warm, slightly smoky note that plays so well with the honey. Worth finding in your spice aisle!

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How to Make Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Alright, let’s get cooking! This honey butter chicken pasta comes together like a dream—just follow these steps, and you’ll have a week’s worth of cozy, delicious meals in no time. I promise, it’s easier than it looks!

Marinate the chicken: In a big bowl, toss your cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Let it hang out for about 10 minutes—just enough time for the flavors to cozy up to each other. Trust me, this step makes a difference!
Cook the chicken: Heat up that avocado oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add your marinated chicken and cook for 10-15 minutes until it’s golden and cooked through. Don’t stir too much—we want those little crispy bits! Then, reduce the heat, toss in the butter, honey, and fresh parsley, and give it a good stir to coat everything in that sticky-sweet glaze. Set it aside (and try not to snack on it—hard, I know).
Boil the pasta: While the chicken cooks, get your pasta going in a big pot of salted water. Cook it just until al dente—about a minute less than the package says. It’ll finish cooking in the sauce later. Drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking (this keeps it from turning mushy).

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Make the sauce: In the same skillet (less dishes!), melt more butter and sauté the remaining minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it bubble gently—don’t let it boil hard. Then, stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything’s melty and smooth. Oh, that smell!
Bring it all together: Add your drained pasta to the creamy sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Fold in that gorgeous honey butter chicken, and voilà! You’ve just made weeknight magic.
Prep & store: Divide everything into meal prep containers while it’s still warm. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, ready to rescue you from those “what’s for dinner?” moments. Meal prep genius, achieved!

Tips for Perfect Honey Butter Chicken Pasta

Want to take this dish from great to “can I get your recipe?” levels? Here’s how:

Pasta perfection: Under-cook it slightly—it’ll soak up the sauce and stay perfectly tender.
Sweet spot: Adjust the honey to taste. Start with 1 tablespoon, then add more if you like it extra sweet.
Fresh herbs FTW: If you’ve got fresh parsley or chives, sprinkle them on top before serving. That pop of green makes all the difference!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Okay, let’s talk about keeping this honey butter chicken pasta tasting like you just made it! First rule – let it cool completely before storing (no one wants soggy pasta). I pop mine into airtight containers – glass works best if you’ve got it. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 4 days, though mine never lasts that long!

When you’re ready to eat, here’s my trick: reheat it on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of milk. The milk brings the creamy sauce back to life without making it watery. Stir gently – we want to keep those perfect pasta shapes intact. Microwave works in a pinch too – just cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second bursts.

Freezer? Absolutely! Portion it out, leave about an inch of space at the top (it expands when frozen), and it’ll keep beautifully for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Pro tip: freeze single servings in muffin tins for easy lunch portions – just pop them out and bag them once frozen!

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Serving Suggestions for Honey Butter Chicken Pasta

Oh honey (butter pun intended again!), let’s talk about making this meal feel extra special. I love serving this pasta with a side of garlic bread – perfect for scooping up every last bit of that creamy sauce. For weeknights, I’ll toss together a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to brighten things up. Kid tip? Let them sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top – it’s an instant win in my house! This dish also pairs beautifully with other meal prep favorites when you’re mixing up your weekly menu. The options are endless, but one thing’s certain – empty plates all around!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s be real – we’re not eating honey butter chicken pasta because it’s a salad. But here’s the good news: it’s got protein-packed chicken and whole-food ingredients, so you can enjoy every creamy bite guilt-free. Nutrition varies based on your specific ingredients and brands, but here’s the approximate breakdown per serving:

Calories: 650
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 3g
Fat: 35g

Remember, these are estimates – your mileage may vary based on how generous you are with that honey butter sauce (and honestly, who could resist being generous?).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen chicken works great – just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight first. I’ve learned the hard way that cooking frozen chicken straight in the pan leads to uneven cooking (and sad, dry chicken). Pat it dry with paper towels before cubing and marinating to help that honey butter glaze stick better. Works like a charm!

How can I make this honey butter chicken pasta spicier?

Oh, I love this question! For some heat, add ½ teaspoon of red chili flakes to the chicken marinade – it’ll give you that sweet-spicy combo we all crave. If you’re serving to spice-sensitive folks, just sprinkle chili flakes on individual portions. My Texas roots also whisper “add a dash of cayenne” to the sauce if you’re feeling bold!

Can I substitute the pasta with something else?

You bet! Quinoa makes a fantastic gluten-free option – cook it in chicken broth for extra flavor. Zucchini noodles work too (just pat them dry after spiralizing). For low-carb, try cauliflower rice – sauté it with garlic first. The honey butter chicken shines with any base, so get creative! My kids even love it over roasted sweet potatoes when we’re mixing things up.