Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a deliciously creamy and cheesy pasta dish enhanced with tender chicken breast pieces glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. This comforting meal combines the richness of three cheeses with the subtle heat of black pepper and a touch of honey sweetness, perfect for a hearty dinner that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
- 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
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Chicken & Sauce
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Cheese & Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp butter
Flavorings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and 1 tsp black pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add 2 tbsp butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the honey and remaining 1 tsp black pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and heat until it begins to simmer gently. Gradually add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated parmesan cheeses to the skillet, stirring continuously until all the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well with the cheese sauce. Then add the drained macaroni, stirring gently to ensure all pasta is thoroughly coated with the cheesy honey pepper sauce. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
- Serve: Remove from heat and transfer to serving bowls. Optionally, garnish with additional parmesan or freshly cracked black pepper, then serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor impact.
- Adjust honey quantity to taste for preferred sweetness level.
- For a sharper taste, substitute sharp cheddar with extra mature cheddar.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breast for juicier meat.
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Easy Dinner
