Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups of cooked elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or extra pepper flakes
Instructions
- Begin by boiling your choice of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and half of the black pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in honey, red pepper flakes, and remaining black pepper into the skillet with the chicken. Cook for another 2 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Reduce heat to low and pour in the milk or heavy cream. Stir in shredded cheeses and Parmesan until smooth and melted. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer mixture to a serving dish, sprinkle additional cheese or herbs if desired, and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by modifying the amount of red pepper flakes.
- For a richer cheese flavor, add additional Parmesan or experiment with different cheeses like Gouda or Pepper Jack.
- Make ahead by storing in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: All Dairy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
