Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

This hearty Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines the comfort of creamy pasta with sweet and spicy chicken for a memorable meal that will satisfy the whole family. The contrast between crispy chicken, velvety cheese sauce, and crunchy bacon creates a dish that's both indulgent and irresistibly flavorful.

I first made this recipe during a particularly stressful week, and it has since become our family's go-to comfort food. The way my kids' eyes light up when they smell the honey pepper sauce simmering on the stove makes all the preparation worthwhile.

Ingredients

• Spiral noodles: Provide the perfect texture for holding onto the cheese sauce, their curves capturing every drop of flavor
• Breaded chicken strips: Offer convenience and a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta
• Bacon: Adds a smoky depth that elevates the entire dish to another level of deliciousness
• Honey: Forms the base of our signature sauce, providing natural sweetness that balances the pepper
• Brown sugar: Enhances the caramelization process in the sauce, creating deeper flavor notes
• Soy sauce: Contributes that necessary umami element, use low sodium to better control the salt level
• Pineapple juice: Brings a subtle tropical tanginess that brightens the entire sauce
• Heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously silky base for our cheese sauce
• Three cheese blend: Combines parmesan for sharpness, mozzarella for stretch, and colby jack for richness
• Fresh basil: Garnish adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness that cuts through the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Cook the breaded chicken strips according to package directions until golden brown and crispy. This typically takes about 15 minutes in the oven at 400°F or a few minutes per side if frying. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. Set aside while preparing the other components.

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spiral noodles and cook for 8 to 9 minutes or until just al dente. Be careful not to overcook as the pasta will continue to soften slightly when combined with the hot cheese sauce. Drain thoroughly in a colander and return to the pot.

Create the Honey Pepper Sauce:

Combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon but remain pourable. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until foamy but not browned. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and gradually add the parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted. Add the mozzarella in small handfuls, ensuring each addition is melted before adding more. Repeat with the colby jack cheese. Add the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:

Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and gently fold together until every noodle is coated. Add about two thirds of the crumbled bacon and stir to distribute evenly throughout the pasta.

Coat the Chicken:

Take each cooked chicken strip and generously dip it into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring it gets thoroughly coated on all sides. The sauce should cling to the breading, creating a glossy finish.

Plate and Serve:

Spoon a generous portion of the cheesy pasta onto each plate. Arrange the honey pepper glazed chicken strips on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with remaining bacon crumbles and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while everything is hot and the chicken is still crispy.

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The pineapple juice in the honey pepper sauce is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered it by accident when I was out of apple juice one day, and the tropical notes it brings to the sauce have made it impossible for me to go back to the original version. My family still talks about that happy kitchen accident.

Make Ahead Options

This dish can be partially prepared in advance to make dinner time less stressful. Prepare the honey pepper sauce up to three days ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat gently before using. The cheese sauce can be made a day ahead, though you may need to add a splash of milk when reheating to restore its creamy consistency. The chicken should ideally be cooked just before serving to maintain its crispness.

Customization Ideas

This versatile recipe welcomes creative variations to suit your preferences. Try grilled chicken instead of breaded for a lighter option, or substitute shrimp for a seafood twist. Vegetarians can enjoy this dish by replacing the chicken with crispy tofu or roasted cauliflower florets. For extra heat, increase the cayenne or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the honey pepper mixture. The cheese blend can also be customized based on what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this hearty dish into a complete meal by serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus also make excellent vegetable pairings. For special occasions, consider serving smaller portions as a side dish alongside grilled steak or pork tenderloin. A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a light amber ale complements the sweet and spicy flavor profile beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I make the honey pepper sauce?

Combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes until thickened slightly.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and breaded chicken made with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

→ What cheeses work best for the pasta sauce?

A combination of shredded parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses creates a creamy, flavorful sauce.

→ Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Absolutely! Cook and store the chicken strips in the refrigerator. Reheat and coat them with the honey pepper glaze before serving.

→ What garnish options pair well with this dish?

Fresh basil, additional bacon crumbles, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper all make excellent garnishes.