Step 1: Prepare the Honey Pepper Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, olive oil, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
2. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor).
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (with the marinade) and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). For food safety, always ensure chicken reaches the recommended internal temperature according to FDA guidelines.
4. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. Don’t clean the skillet – those flavorful bits will enhance our cheese sauce!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 7-9 minutes). Be careful not to overcook as the pasta will continue cooking slightly in the cheese sauce. For perfectly cooked pasta every time, follow these pasta cooking guidelines from pasta experts.
3. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. Return pasta to the pot and toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux (this prevents a floury taste).
3. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken (about 3-5 minutes).
5. Reduce heat to low and add the cheeses one handful at a time, stirring until completely melted before adding more.
6. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
7. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece.
2. Fold in the honey pepper chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the dish.
3. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – you may want to add more honey, black pepper, or salt depending on your preference.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Transfer the Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese to a serving dish or individual bowls.
2. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, additional black pepper, a light drizzle of honey, or red pepper flakes if desired.
3. Serve immediately while hot and creamy!