The Loving Grandma’ Recipe Box

Creamy Veggie Pasta

Hi, my name is Judy! When my grandbabies come over to visit here in Portland, Maine, I don’t want to spend all my time in the kitchen—I’d much rather be on the floor building block towers or out in the yard blowing bubbles with them. That’s why I keep a few simple, reliable recipes in my back pocket, and this cheesy pasta with peas is one of their absolute favorites.

Instructions

1. Prep the chicken

  • Cut chicken into biscuit-sized pieces.

  • Marinate in buttermilk (at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you have time).

2. Make the honey butter

  • In a small bowl, whip together softened butter, honey, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

  • Set aside at room temp.

3. Bake biscuits

  • Bake according to package instructions (or make homemade biscuits).

4. Fry the chicken

  • Heat oil (about 1 inch deep) in a skillet to 350°F.

  • Mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

  • Dredge chicken in seasoned flour (straight from buttermilk). Press flour on so it sticks well.

  • Fry chicken pieces 4–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Place on paper towel to drain.

5. Assemble

  • Slice biscuits open.

  • Spread honey butter generously on each half.

  • Place fried chicken inside.

  • Drizzle a little extra honey on top if you like.

Ingredients

  • For the biscuits:

    • 1 can refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands)
      or make homemade biscuits if you prefer

  • For the chicken:

    • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

    • 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)

    • 1 cup flour

    • 1 tsp paprika

    • 1 tsp garlic powder

    • 1 tsp onion powder

    • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)

    • 1 tsp salt

    • ½ tsp black pepper

    • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

  • For the honey butter:

    • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

    • ¼ cup honey

    • Pinch of salta

For me, it’s the perfect balance: a warm, comforting meal that fills their bellies and still leaves me plenty of time for stories, snuggles, and play.

With care,

Judy

The little ones love the creamy sauce and the fun noodle shapes, and I love that it comes together quickly with hardly any fuss. Even my pickiest grandchild, who usually turns up her nose at vegetables, happily eats the sweet green peas tucked into every bite.

Back to the Kitchen!