Description
Sweet and spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a flavor-packed family favorite! This creamy, cheesy pasta dish features tender chicken coated in a zesty honey-pepper sauce, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or any pasta of choice)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the honey, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Mac and Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream, whole milk, and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine the Cheese: Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the skillet, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Assemble the Dish: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated in the cheesy sauce. Then, add the cooked chicken and gently fold it into the mac and cheese.
- Serve: Spoon the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese onto plates and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the sweet and spicy goodness!
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta, but elbow macaroni works great for holding the cheesy sauce.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk for a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, Cheesy Chicken Mac and Cheese, Honey Chicken Pasta, Sweet and Spicy Mac and Cheese, Creamy Chicken Mac, Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe, Family Dinner Idea