Description
This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese features tender, honey-glazed chicken seasoned with black pepper and smoked paprika, served atop a rich, cheesy pasta made with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The luscious cream-based sauce perfectly complements the caramelized chicken, creating a comforting, flavorful meal ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese Sauce
- 12 oz (340g) pasta – elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or your favorite shape
- 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 and Glaze
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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 but do not rinse it to preserve the starch that helps the sauce stick.
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken pieces evenly 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 6–8 minutes.
- Make Glaze: In the same skillet, add butter and honey. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture, tossing the chicken pieces until they are evenly coated and the glaze has caramelized slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, warm the heavy cream over medium heat without boiling. Gradually whisk in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Stir in an additional tablespoon of butter for richness and to create a creamy texture.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss thoroughly to coat every piece. Arrange the honey-pepper glazed chicken over the mac and cheese and drizzle any remaining glaze from the skillet on top.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s silky texture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning for a mild kick.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for the best melting and flavor results.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated carefully to avoid drying out.
Keywords: Creamy Mac and Cheese, Honey Pepper Chicken, Comfort Food, Cheesy Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipe