Go Back
–+ servings
Honey Pepper Macaroni

Honey Pepper Macaroni

Discover the perfect blend of sweet and spicy with this Honey Pepper Macaroni recipe featuring crispy chicken and creamy mac and cheese delight.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz spiral noodles
  • 25 oz breaded chicken strips
  • 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons pineapple juice

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Saucepan for making the cheese sauce
  • Baking sheet for broiling the chicken
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven and cook the breaded chicken strips according to the package instructions until they are golden and crispy. Set them aside to cool slightly.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spiral noodles and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, black pepper, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and pineapple juice. Stir and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
  4. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually stir in the mozzarella, Colby Jack, and Parmesan cheeses until melted.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the noodles evenly.
  6. Place the cooked chicken strips on a baking sheet and brush them with the honey pepper sauce. Broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and caramelized.
  7. Divide the cheesy pasta into bowls, top with the honey pepper glazed chicken strips, sprinkle crumbled bacon, and garnish with fresh chopped basil.

Nutrition

Calories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 500mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the honey pepper sauce. Substitute spiral noodles with penne or fusilli if preferred. For a lighter option, consider grilled chicken instead of breaded strips. Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat with a splash of milk for creaminess.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!