Description
This elevated take on classic mac and cheese brings bold flavor and serious nourishment together in one crave-worthy bowl. Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a glossy honey-garlic butter sauce, then tossed into ultra-creamy cheesy pasta that feels indulgent but still fits a balanced lifestyle. It’s the kind of dish that hits hard after a long day and still feels perfect for planned lunches or cozy nights in. Rich, creamy, slightly sweet, and unapologetically comforting — this recipe pulls zero punches.
Ingredients
Scale
For the glazed chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon light butter
For the creamy mac and cheese:
- 8 ounces protein-enriched elbow pasta (chickpea or lentil pasta works great)
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk or low-fat dairy milk
- 1 cup light shredded cheddar
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional but adds a nice kick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional topping)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, honey, and butter, letting everything melt together into a glossy coating. Allow it to bubble for a couple of minutes until slightly thickened, then take off the heat.
- Make the cheese sauce
- In a medium saucepan, gently warm the milk over medium heat. Add the shredded cheddar, Greek yogurt, and Dijon (if using). Stir constantly until the mixture turns smooth and silky. Finish with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
- Bring it all together
- Pour the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Add the honey garlic chicken and mix gently so every bite gets that sweet-savory goodness.
- Serve and enjoy
- Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Best served hot and ultra-creamy.
Notes
- Boost the nutrition: Choose pasta made from chickpeas, lentils, or high-protein wheat for extra staying power.
- Mind your garlic: Keep the heat moderate so it doesn’t scorch and turn bitter.
- Go bold with cheese: Sharp cheddar delivers more flavor, meaning you don’t need as much.
- Adjust consistency: If your sauce thickens after sitting, stir in a splash of milk to smooth it out.
- Great for leftovers: This reheats like a dream — perfect for quick lunches or next-day cravings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g