Highlight
You get cozy bites of cheesy pasta, sweet spicy chicken, a pop of bacon, and bright basil in every forkful here. It’s rich and velvety, with a big hit of flavor. If you want something special that feels like a hug after a long day, this is your go-to. Whether it’s a Tuesday night or you’re aiming to wow a friend or partner, this meal’s got you covered.
I swear my husband gets ridiculously happy just thinking about the combo of juicy golden chicken tossed in sticky pepper sauce on creamy noodles. Every time I make it, forks absolutely fly to the table—nobody waits for seconds because they’re already digging in.
Irresistible Ingredients
- fresh basil: doubles up the summery pop and makes plates extra gorgeous
- minced garlic: fresh garlic brings out loads of savory flavor
- colby jack cheese: go with chunk cheese and shred it yourself for the dreamiest melt
- mozzarella: skip the pre-bagged stuff and grate right before using for gooey perfection
- parmesan: a wedge, not shaker cheese, gives you sharper, nuttier taste
- heavy cream: this gives you that unreal smooth texture—try for fresh, not shelf-stable
- butter: real butter kicks off your sauce, don’t mess with the fake stuff
- cayenne: a pinch wakes up the heat—tweak it higher or lower
- black pepper: give it a generous twist for bite
- vinegar: just enough to brighten everything up
- lemon juice: squeeze it fresh right in for brightness
- pineapple juice: sneaks in tang and keeps things juicy
- soy sauce: pick low sodium so flavors don’t go salty
- light brown sugar: thickens sauce and makes it shiny
- honey: the heart of the dish—go for a mild honey if you can
- basil: fresh and chopped lifts the dish and makes it prettier
- salt and pepper: crack black pepper and sprinkle salt to sharpen flavors
- bacon: smoky strips cooked crispy and scattered in for crunch and depth
- breaded chicken strips: frozen ones bake up so crisp—just check for simple labels
- spiral noodles: look for fresh or try fancy ones, they grab sauce like pros
How to Make It
- Spruce It Up and Dish It Out
- Ladle the creamy cheesy pasta onto bowls or plates, then top with that sticky honey chicken. Don’t forget to add extra bacon pieces and a shower of torn basil for a fresh hit at the end.
- Drizzle Sauce on the Chicken
- Once those crispy chicken strips are set, plunge them into that honey pepper sauce with your tongs or hands so every piece is totally coated.
- Mix Noodles With Cheese Sauce
- Scoop your drained noodles right into the cheese mix. Give everything a big toss, then gently stir in the crunchy crumbled bacon so every bite gets a little surprise.
- Stir Up the Cheese Sauce
- Pop the butter into a big pan and melt until bubbly. Pour in your cream and bring it close to bubbling. Toss in handfuls of each cheese one at a time, mixing till smooth. Don’t let it get too hot. Add garlic, taste, and salt/pepper as you like.
- Whisk the Honey Pepper Sauce
- Add honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, both peppers, and cayenne to a saucepot. Heat and stir on medium till it’s bubbling. Let it simmer 15 minutes until a bit thick and shiny. Turn it off to cool down.
- Boil Your Pasta
- Bring water and a slug of salt to a big boil. Toss in the spiral noodles and cook ’em till they’re just chewy. Drain everything—don’t let them get mushy.
- Get the Chicken Ready
- Cook your chicken strips how you like (bake or fry). Once they’re golden and crispy, let them rest a minute before dunking in sauce.
Highlight
The curls of pasta grip every bit of cheese and sauce. There’s always this happy sigh and a big grin when someone digs in. That first bite? Best part of my night, guaranteed.
How to Store
Put any leftovers in a lidded container and keep them cold in the fridge. To warm up, splash in a little milk and toss in the microwave. If you want to freeze it, freeze before you add the chicken on top. That way, it’ll stay crispy later.
Swaps and Options
Use plain grilled chicken instead of breaded if you don’t want crunchy outside but still want juicy flavor. Gluten free noodles and strip options out there work great. If you’re craving more greens, mix in fresh spinach before serving or use turkey bacon to lighten things up.
Ways to Serve
Dinner’s a meal all by itself, but you can serve with a cold salad or some roasted broccoli to round it out. To really wow ’em, toss the whole thing in a cast iron pan and broil a couple of minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and browned.
Fun Backstory
This dish is about as all-American as it gets. Passed down through families for years, mac and cheese always means happy gatherings and celebrating big or small. The honey and pepper chicken brings a sweet twist from the south. I’ve whipped this up for birthdays and lazy snow days, and honestly, it always feels new.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep my chicken crunchy?
Pop breaded chicken strips in the oven or fryer and cook just like the package says. Let them get really golden and crisp, then toss with the honey pepper sauce.
- → Can I use other pasta shapes?
Definitely! Penne, elbows, or even shell pasta work great—just pick whatever you love or have around.
- → What’s the secret to a silky cheese sauce?
Start with butter, stir in cream, then slowly melt in your cheeses while stirring the whole time to avoid lumps for that smooth finish.
- → Can I make this without gluten?
For sure! Just use gluten-free noodles and swap in breaded chicken that’s gluten-free or covered in almond flour breadcrumbs.
- → Is it OK to prep parts ahead?
Yep! Cook the bacon and chicken first. Keep ‘em in separate containers, then build the dish with hot fresh cheese sauce and noodles when you’re ready to eat.
- → What’s good for the garnish?
Try more bacon crumbles, some chopped fresh basil, or go with parsley for extra color and crunch to finish it off.