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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a rich and cheesy pasta dinner.Tender honey-glazed chicken adds sweet and savory flavor.Ready in 35 minutes for an easy family meal.
Prep Time 13 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside briefly.
  • In the same skillet, melt the butter and stir in the honey. Let the mixture bubble gently for about 1 minute.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the honey pepper glaze.
  • In a separate saucepan over low heat, pour in the heavy cream. Gradually whisk in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
  • Transfer the creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese to a serving dish and top with the glazed chicken.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra vegetables.
  • Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat.
  • Substitute mozzarella with Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor profile.