Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort dish, featuring tender honey-glazed chicken pieces seasoned with black pepper and smoked paprika, tossed with al dente pasta in a rich, smooth three-cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The dish is garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or your favorite shape
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter (for cheese sauce)
Chicken and Glaze
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp butter (for glaze)
- 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 or until al dente. Drain the pasta well but do not rinse to preserve starch for better sauce adherence.
- Cook Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sear the chicken in the skillet, cooking until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Make Glaze: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and honey to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Simmer gently, tossing the chicken pieces until they are evenly coated and caramelized with the honey glaze.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, warm the heavy cream over low heat. Gradually whisk in the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add 1 tablespoon of butter for extra richness and whisk until melted.
- Combine: Toss the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Plate the cheesy pasta and top with the honey-pepper glazed chicken. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the top for extra flavor.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm, ensuring every bite is creamy, flavorful, and packed with sweet and savory notes.
Notes
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s silky texture.
- Use fresh parsley for a bright, herbal finish or substitute with chives if preferred.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, honey pepper chicken, cheesy pasta, comfort food, one pan dinner