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Honey chicken and creamy pasta

Featured in Chicken dishes that always work.

This dish brings together sweet, peppery honey chicken and pasta coated in smooth, cheesy sauce. A cozy blend of flavors everyone will enjoy.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:22:27 GMT
A plate of elbow-shaped pasta served with grilled chicken pieces, all garnished with fresh parsley leaves. Pin it
A plate of elbow-shaped pasta served with grilled chicken pieces, all garnished with fresh parsley leaves. | tastyhush.com

I came up with this honey pepper chicken with gooey cheese macaroni during a cold winter evening when I was craving something both sweet-savory and creamy. It's now my go-to comfort meal. The juicy chicken glazed with honey pairs wonderfully with cheese-coated pasta. My family now expects this dish every Sunday night—it's become our tradition!

A Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Combination

What makes this dish work so well is how the flavors and textures play together. The honey-pepper glaze adds just enough kick to the chicken while the creamy mac provides that comforting softness everyone loves. It's a winner with the whole family and you can throw it together quickly after a long workday.

What You'll Need

  • Chicken breasts: 2 nice fresh pieces
  • Olive oil: One tablespoon for cooking
  • Honey: Half a cup of my favorite kind
  • Soy sauce: Quarter cup for umami flavor
  • Apple cider vinegar: One tablespoon for tanginess
  • Spices: Black pepper garlic powder dried onion cayenne pepper salt
  • Macaroni: 250g good quality
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons for the sauce
  • Flour: 2 tablespoons for thickening
  • Milk: 2 cups whole milk
  • Cheeses: 2 cups aged cheddar and one cup shredded mozzarella
  • Parsley: One fresh bunch for garnish

Simple Cooking Instructions

The chicken
I sprinkle salt and pepper on my chicken breasts and brown them in olive oil for about 6-7 minutes per side. Then I set them aside and keep them warm.
The sweet glaze
Using the same pan, I mix in the honey, soy sauce, vinegar and all my spices. I let it bubble for 2-3 minutes until it thickens up.
Coating the meat
I slice the chicken into strips and put them back in the pan to coat them well with the sauce.
The pasta
I cook the macaroni until al dente following package directions, then drain them.
The cheese sauce
I melt the butter, add the flour, then gradually pour in milk while whisking. Once it's thick, I take it off the heat and stir in my cheeses. I finish with salt and pepper.
Putting it together
I mix the macaroni with the cheese sauce, place my chicken strips on top, and scatter freshly chopped parsley over everything.

Perfect Pairings

This dish tastes amazing with a crisp green salad or some seasonal roasted veggies on the side. Don't forget to grab crusty bread to soak up all that yummy cheese sauce left on your plate!

Tricks for Best Results

Always go for really fresh chicken breasts for the best texture. Keep stirring your sauce constantly so it doesn't stick to the bottom. For extra indulgence, I often throw additional grated cheese on top of the macaroni right before serving.

A plate of creamy macaroni pasta topped with grilled chicken pieces and sprinkled with fresh herbs. Pin it
A plate of creamy macaroni pasta topped with grilled chicken pieces and sprinkled with fresh herbs. | tastyhush.com

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any extras in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. When warming it up, I suggest separating the chicken from the pasta. Add a splash of milk to the macaroni to bring back its creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I get a smooth cheese sauce?
Add the milk a little at a time, stirring non-stop. Let each portion blend fully before adding more.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce separately. Cook the pasta last, as the cheese sauce thickens as it cools.
→ How do I know if the chicken is cooked?
The chicken should be golden outside and white all the way through. Cut into it to ensure there’s no pink inside.
→ What kind of honey works best?
Plain liquid honey is ideal. Avoid very strong-flavored ones that might overpower the dish.
→ How should I reheat leftovers?
Warm the pasta gently on the stovetop with a bit of milk. Microwave the chicken for a few minutes.

Honey chicken with pasta

A tasty combo of sweet honey-glazed chicken with pepper, paired with ultra-creamy cheesy pasta. Perfect for family dinners.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts.
02 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
03 1/2 tablespoon onion powder.
04 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder.
05 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
06 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
07 8 ounces elbow macaroni.
08 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
09 1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper.
10 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
11 A pinch of salt, to taste.
12 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar.
13 Chopped parsley for topping.
14 1 tablespoon olive oil.
15 1/2 cup honey.
16 1/4 cup soy sauce.
17 2 cups milk.
18 A dash of black pepper, to season.

Instructions

Step 01

Bring water to a boil, toss in the macaroni, and cook until they’ve got a slight bite left to them (al dente). Drain and keep them aside for later.

Step 02

Rub some salt and pepper over the chicken breasts. Heat up some olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Cook the chicken until both sides are golden and no longer pink in the middle—about 6-7 minutes each side. Set the chicken aside.

Step 03

Melt butter in a pot and whisk in the flour. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring, making sure you get rid of lumps. Cook until it thickens, take it off the heat, and stir in all the shredded cheese. Keep going until it’s smooth and creamy. Add some salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 04

Using the same skillet, mix together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Simmer it all together for 2-3 minutes until the mix reduces and thickens a bit.

Step 05

Slice the chicken into strips, throw it back into the skillet with the honey sauce, and make sure it's coated well in the sweet and spicy goodness.

Step 06

Stir the pasta into the cheesy sauce until it's all mixed up. Spoon this mac and cheese onto plates, pile some of the honey-glazed chicken on top, and finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Notes

  1. Eat it while it's warm for the best taste and texture.

Tools You'll Need

  • Skillet.
  • Medium pot.
  • Large pot for boiling pasta.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 680
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 65 g
  • Protein: 38 g