Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) of your favorite pasta (macaroni or shells)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked. During the last minute of cooking, brush the chicken with honey to give it a sweet and spicy glaze. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, add butter and heavy cream. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly until the mixture is warm. Add shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat all the noodles. Slice the rested honey pepper chicken and arrange it on top of or beside the creamy mac and cheese. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh black pepper for the best flavor.
- Adjust the honey amount for desired sweetness.
- For a creamier sauce, add extra heavy cream or a splash of milk.
- Can be prepared ahead and reheated, adding the chicken just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contemporary
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 640 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg