Description

This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight combines tender honey-glazed chicken with a rich, cheesy mac and cheese made from sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The smoky paprika and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes add a perfect balance of spice to sweet, creamy pasta, making it a comforting, flavorful dish ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

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Pasta and Chicken

12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons honey

Cheese Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Drizzle honey over the chicken and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1 minute until the chicken is glossy and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, approximately 4–5 minutes.
Add Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until fully melted and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until well coated. Gently fold in the honey pepper chicken pieces, ensuring everything is evenly mixed. Let the dish warm through for another 1–2 minutes on low heat.
Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or green onions if desired for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

For more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Leftovers reheat well. When reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and maintain its creamy texture.
Use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor; regular paprika can be substituted but will be milder.
Fresh herbs like parsley or green onions provide a nice contrast to the rich cheese sauce and enhance the visual appeal.
Ensure not to overcook the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1/6 of recipe)
Calories: 620
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 115mg