Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) pasta (elbow macaroni or preferred shape)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper for extra spice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken with honey and black pepper, then sauté in olive oil until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- While chicken cooks, boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with garlic and butter.
- Add shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth. Drizzle in honey and add additional black pepper as desired.
- Add cooked chicken to the sauce and stir to coat.
- Fold in cooked pasta, mixing evenly. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley, and optionally extra cheese or red pepper flakes for added spice.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
- Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- Vegetarian version: replace chicken with grilled vegetables or plant-based protein.
- Adjust the black pepper quantity to control spiciness.
- Best served immediately but can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days; reheat with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg