Description
Craving a weeknight dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl? This super-creamy mac and cheese is loaded with juicy honey-pepper chicken and a trio of melty cheeses for maximum comfort. The sweet heat of honey and freshly cracked black pepper balances the rich, velvety sauce, while al dente pasta brings the perfect bite. It’s an easy recipe that doubles as crowd-pleasing comfort food—great for quick dinner ideas, cozy weekend cooking, or meal prep.
Ingredients
12 ounces cavatappi (or elbow macaroni)
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2)
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, divided
2 tablespoons honey, plus 1 tablespoon for drizzling
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup reserved hot pasta water
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar (about 8 ounces)
1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella (about 4 ounces)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan (about 1 1/2 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Season & Sear Chicken: Pat chicken dry. Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1 Tbsp honey. Heat olive oil over medium-high; sear 4–6 min/side until 165°F. Rest 5 min; slice.
2. Boil Pasta: Cook pasta in well-salted boiling water to al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain.
3. Make a Roux: Melt butter in a deep pan over medium; whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until blond and nutty.
4. Build the Sauce: Gradually whisk in heavy cream; simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Melt the Cheeses: Lower heat; whisk in cream cheese, then cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth. Loosen with reserved pasta water as needed.
6. Season: Stir in remaining salt and pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to taste.
7. Combine: Fold pasta into sauce until well coated.
8. Finish: Top with sliced chicken, drizzle remaining 1 Tbsp honey, crack more pepper, and garnish with parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Keep heat low once cheese is added to prevent graininess.
Add a pinch of red chili flakes for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 820
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 920
- Fat: 43
- Saturated Fat: 23
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 66
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 43
- Cholesterol: 155
Keywords: easy dinner, mac and cheese, chicken pasta, honey pepper, comfort food