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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Bake

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A comforting, creamy pasta bake featuring tender chicken, a rich cheese sauce, and a sweet-spicy kick from honey and black pepper. Perfect for busy family dinners or special occasions, this dish is easy to customize and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 to 1 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain, rinse briefly under cool water, and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, toss cooked chicken with freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of salt. Add red chili flakes if desired.
  4. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and milk. Whisk until fully combined and just starting to bubble (2-3 minutes).
  6. Add honey, whisking constantly. Mix in 1 cup cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and sauce is thick but pourable.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta, peppered chicken, and creamy cheese sauce. Mix until evenly coated.
  8. Transfer mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup cheddar evenly over the top.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  10. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra cracked black pepper or a drizzle of honey if desired. Slice and serve.

Notes

Undercook pasta for best texture. Freshly grated cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded. Sauce should be thick but pourable; add a splash of milk if needed. Assemble ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free substitutes as needed. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta bake, chicken pasta, honey pepper, creamy pasta, family dinner, easy casserole, comfort food, weeknight meal, kid friendly, cheese sauce

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/creamy-honey-pepper-chicken-pasta-bake-recipe-easy-family-dinner/