Creamy honey pepper chicken macaroni blends rich cheese, sweet glaze, and bold spices into a flavorful comfort meal everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and savory harmony: The honey-glazed pepper chicken adds a bold contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
- Ultimate comfort food: Mac and cheese taken to the next level with three cheeses and juicy chicken.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Restaurant-quality at home: Tastes like something you’d order out—but even better.
- Family favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, with enough flavor to impress guests.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Boil the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken pieces for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
- In the same pan, melt butter, stir in honey, and cook until it begins to bubble. Add the cooked chicken and coat well in the glaze. Set aside.
- In a saucepan over low heat, warm the heavy cream. Slowly add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce, mixing until well coated.
- Serve the mac and cheese topped with honey pepper chicken and garnish with parsley. Serve warm.
Servings And Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: ~710 kcal
Variations
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the chicken glaze.
- Use other proteins: Try shrimp, tofu, or rotisserie chicken instead.
- Add veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or roasted broccoli for added nutrients.
- Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check cheese labels.
- Try other cheeses: Gouda, fontina, or Monterey Jack add a delicious twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream, or microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between intervals, until hot.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just season and toss it in the honey pepper glaze as directed before serving.
Is it okay to use milk instead of cream?
You can use whole milk for a lighter sauce, but it may not be as rich or thick.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook everything separately and assemble just before serving.
How spicy is this dish?
It has a mild peppery kick. Add more pepper or chili flakes if you want more heat.
Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze in portions. Reheat slowly to preserve texture.
What pasta works best?
Cavatappi and elbow macaroni hold the creamy sauce well, but penne or shells are also great.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly shredded melts better, but pre-shredded can be used for convenience.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
Add a splash of milk or cream and reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I add breadcrumbs on top?
Absolutely. Toasted breadcrumbs add a nice crunch if you want a baked version.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the creamy pasta and sweet chicken make it a hit with kids.
Conclusion
Creamy honey pepper chicken macaroni bliss is everything a comfort meal should be—rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. With tender chunks of glazed chicken nestled on top of creamy, cheesy pasta, this dish is perfect for when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and watch it become a new family favorite.
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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Macaroni Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy honey pepper chicken macaroni blends rich cheese, sweet glaze, and bold spices into a comforting, flavorful meal everyone loves.
Ingredients
12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into chunks
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and stir in honey until bubbly. Return chicken to glaze and toss to coat.
In a separate saucepan, heat heavy cream over low heat. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
Serve pasta topped with glazed chicken and garnish with parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Can be baked under broiler for 2–3 minutes for a golden cheese crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American