This hot honey chicken Alfredo bake takes comfort food up a notch with its creamy, cheesy layers and just the right amount of heat. Imagine tender pieces of seasoned chicken coated in a velvety Alfredo sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, and topped with gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan. The hot honey drizzle ties everything together, balancing the richness of the sauce with a sweet and spicy kick that keeps every bite interesting. Once baked, the top becomes beautifully golden and bubbly, making it perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings.
What makes this dish even better is how customizable it is. You can swap the pasta shape, adjust the spice level in the hot honey, or add roasted vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra texture. The Alfredo base is smooth and luscious, while the melty cheese layers give it an indulgent, restaurant-quality vibe without the hassle. Whether you want a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing baked pasta for special occasions, this recipe brings rich flavor and a little heat in every forkful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this hot honey chicken Alfredo bake so irresistible is the perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors combined with the easiest prep:
Creamy Alfredo base: Silky, garlicky Alfredo sauce coats every strand of pasta perfectly.
Spicy-sweet drizzle: Hot honey adds a sweet warmth that balances the richness beautifully.
Tender chicken bites: Juicy, well-seasoned chicken chunks bring hearty flavor to every layer.
Cheesy indulgence: Melted mozzarella and Parmesan create that perfect stretchy, bubbly topping.
Simple, satisfying prep: Easy steps, minimal fuss, and a casserole-style bake that always delivers.
Want to elevate it even more? Add sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, or crispy bacon between the layers for extra depth and flavor.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Base:
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Hot Honey Drizzle:
- ½ cup honey
- 1 ½ tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup sautéed mushrooms
- 1 cup roasted broccoli
- ½ cup crispy bacon crumbles
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain, toss lightly with olive oil, and set aside.
2. Sear the Chicken
Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden on the outside and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream and milk. Whisk gently and bring to a low simmer. Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Prepare the Hot Honey Drizzle
In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes. Warm over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until thin and pourable. Set aside for topping later.
5. Assemble the Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine cooked pasta, seared chicken, and creamy Alfredo sauce, stirring until evenly coated. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for a gooey, bubbly finish.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and drizzle the warm hot honey evenly over the top.
7. Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm for the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy-sweet goodness.
Hot Honey Chicken Alfredo Bake
Ingredients
For the Pasta Base:
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Hot Honey Drizzle:
- ½ cup honey
- 1 ½ tbsp hot sauce adjust to taste
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup sautéed mushrooms
- 1 cup roasted broccoli
- ½ cup crispy bacon crumbles
Instructions
- Boil pasta until al dente, then set aside.
- Sear seasoned chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Make Alfredo sauce with butter, garlic, cream, and cheeses.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce in a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan, then bake until bubbly.
- Drizzle hot honey on top, garnish, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Cheesy upgrade: Use smoked Gouda or fontina for an even creamier bite.
- Extra crunch: Add toasted panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Spice control: Reduce or increase hot sauce depending on heat preference.
- Make-ahead magic: Assemble the casserole, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh the next day.
- Storage tip: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this bake with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Serve with a refreshing iced tea, sparkling lemonade, or a chilled white wine to balance the richness.
Final Thoughts
Hot honey chicken Alfredo bake blends creamy pasta, tender chicken, and sweet-spicy heat into one comforting dish that feels indulgent yet simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting guests, it’s always a hit at the table. One bite and you’ll know why it’s destined to be on repeat.
