Description
This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender bite-sized chicken pieces glazed with a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly cooked pasta is tossed in the velvety cheese sauce and topped with caramelized chicken for a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) pasta – elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or your favorite shape
Cheeses and Dairy
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
Chicken
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings and Glaze
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly but do not rinse to keep the starches that help the sauce cling.
- Cook Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Make Glaze: In the same skillet, add butter and honey. Simmer gently while tossing the cooked chicken pieces in the mixture, coating them well and allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly for a glossy finish.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, warm the heavy cream over medium-low heat. Gradually whisk in the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Stir in additional butter to enhance the sauce’s richness and silkiness.
- Combine: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer to plates or a serving dish, top with the honey pepper glazed chicken, and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, then serve immediately while warm and creamy for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s silky texture.
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor impact.
- Try different pasta shapes like cavatappi or shells for a fun twist.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though sauce may be less thick.
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Creamy Pasta, Comfort Food, Cheesy Chicken Pasta