Description
A creamy, slightly sweet, garlicky skillet dish that combines tender chicken, rich cheese, and comforting macaroni – perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 chicken breasts, cubed (about 1 to 1.25 lb)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for marinade)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp avocado oil (or oil of choice for cooking)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley (for finishing)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella
- 1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar
- 12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Put cubed chicken in a bowl. Add 2 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic (reserve some for the sauce), smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 3 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken to a plate.
- Finish the glaze: Reduce heat to low. Add 2 tbsp butter to the pan and melt. Stir in 1 tbsp honey and 2 tbsp chopped parsley. Toss the chicken in the butter-honey glaze, then set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp butter (if pan is dry) and sauté the reserved minced garlic over medium-low heat for 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 2 cups heavy cream and bring just to a gentle simmer.
- Melt the cheeses: Lower heat and stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup cheddar. Stir constantly until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt or pepper.
- Combine with pasta: Add 12 oz cooked elbow macaroni. Stir to coat and simmer for 3–5 minutes. Fold the glazed chicken back in and warm through.
- Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve immediately or divide into meal-prep containers once cooled slightly.
Notes
For extra flavor, try stirring in peas or spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken, mac and cheese, garlic butter, meal prep, comfort food