One-Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken & Steak Pasta

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 lb flank steak, sliced
• 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Add diced chicken and sliced steak to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).
3. Stir in honey BBQ sauce, chicken broth, and uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked (about 10-12 minutes).
4. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.

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Variations:

1. Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and steak and substitute with plant-based protein or tofu. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
2. Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give the dish some heat.
3. Different Cheese: Instead of cheddar cheese, you can use mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
4. Bacon: For extra flavor, add cooked bacon pieces when you stir in the cheese.
5. Tomato-based Sauce: Swap the honey BBQ sauce for a tomato-based BBQ sauce if you prefer a tangier flavor.

Tips:

1. Cooking Pasta: If you prefer a firmer pasta, reduce the simmering time by 1-2 minutes. If you want a softer texture, cook it a bit longer.
2. Meat Substitution: You can substitute flank steak with rib-eye or sirloin steak if you prefer.
3. Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream for a richer or lighter sauce, depending on your preference.
4. Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a day or two. Reheat with a little extra broth if it thickens too much.
5. Garnish: Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra freshness.