I’ll never forget the first time I threw together this Honey Garlic Chicken & Mac Meal Prep during one of those crazy dinner rushes at the restaurant where I used to work. We’d been slammed for hours, everyone was starving, and I needed something quick that would actually satisfy hungry cooks. That’s when I grabbed leftover roasted chicken, whipped up a quick honey garlic glaze, and tossed it with some mac and cheese we had prepped earlier. The crew went wild for it! Now it’s my go-to meal prep recipe when life gets hectic – comforting enough to feel like a treat, but practical enough to make ahead for those “I don’t wanna cook” days.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken & Mac Meal Prep
Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be as hooked as my restaurant crew was! Here’s why it’s become my favorite meal prep solution:
- Weeknight warrior approved – from fridge to fork in under 40 minutes
- Stays creamy and delicious in the fridge for up to 4 days (if it lasts that long!)
- Perfect sweet-savory balance – just enough honey to complement the garlic without being cloying
- Portions like a dream – makes 4 hearty servings that’ll power you through busy days
I’ve made dozens of variations over the years, but this combination of tender chicken with that luscious mac and cheese? Absolute game changer for meal prep.
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken & Mac Meal Prep
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to meal prep success! I like to organize everything by category – it makes the cooking process so much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need for that perfect sweet-savory combo:
The Pasta Base
- 8-10 oz penne pasta (the ridges hold that creamy sauce beautifully)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (trust me, this is liquid gold for your sauce!)
The Sauce & Seasonings
- 12 oz jar of roasted red peppers, drained (we’ll blend these into a velvety puree)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced (none of that pre-minced stuff – fresh makes all the difference)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste (the concentrated flavor base for our sauce)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (my secret weapon for Mediterranean flair)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (low-sodium works best for controlling salt levels)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for that indulgent texture we all crave)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (save some for garnish – the good stuff, please!)
The Protein & Finishes
- 6 oz (1 link) al fresco mild Italian chicken sausage, sliced into 1/2 inch coins
- 3 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the sausage and building flavor)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (basil or parsley brightens everything up, if you’ve got it)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (always taste as you go!)
Pro tip: I learned this trick from my Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe – always grate your own parmesan. The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt the same way. Trust me on this one!
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken & Mac Meal Prep
Alright, let’s get cooking! This honey garlic chicken and mac meal prep comes together in three simple stages – prep, sauce, and assemble. I’ll walk you through each step just like I do in my cooking classes. Follow along, and you’ll have restaurant-quality meal prep in no time!
Prepping the Ingredients
First things first – let’s get organized! Drain those roasted red peppers and blend them until smooth (a mini food processor works great for this). Meanwhile, slice the chicken sausage into those perfect little coins – about 1/2 inch thick so they cook evenly. Don’t forget to mince that garlic nice and fine – big chunks can overpower the dish. Oh, and put your pasta water on to boil now. Multi-tasking is key for efficient meal prep!
Cooking the Pasta and Sauce
Cook your penne just until al dente (remember to reserve that pasta water!). Now for the magic: heat olive oil and brown the sausage slices for 2-3 minutes – you want some nice color on them. Set those aside, then in the same pan (don’t clean it – all that flavor stays!), sauté the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes until fragrant, about a minute. Stir in the tomato paste, letting it caramelize slightly. Then add the liquids: broth, pasta water, cream, and that beautiful red pepper puree. Bring to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes – this is where the flavors really come together. Stir in most of the parmesan (save some for garnish!), tasting and adjusting seasonings as you go. Pro tip: the sauce should coat the back of a spoon nicely – if it’s too thick, add a splash more pasta water.
Combining Everything
Time for the grand finale! Toss the cooked pasta and sausage into that luscious sauce. I like to do this right in the pan – the heat helps everything come together beautifully. Give it a good mix, making sure each penne gets coated. The texture should be creamy but not soupy. Finish with that reserved parmesan and fresh herbs. Look at that – restaurant-quality meal prep ready for your week!
Want more mac and cheese inspiration? Check out my best tips for getting that perfect creamy texture every time!
Meal Prep Tips for Honey Garlic Chicken & Mac
Okay, let’s talk about making this Honey Garlic Chicken & Mac last all week! After years of meal prepping this dish (both at home and in professional kitchens), I’ve nailed down the perfect storage and reheating tricks. First rule – always use airtight containers! Those little sauce droplets love to escape and make a mess in your fridge. Glass containers work best, but BPA-free plastic is fine too.
Now for reheating – the stovetop is your friend here. Just add a splash of water or milk to loosen things up, then warm gently over medium-low heat. Microwave works in a pinch (we’ve all been there!), but stir every 30 seconds to prevent that dreaded “exploded sauce” look. This beauty stays fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge – any longer and the pasta starts absorbing too much sauce.
Here’s my favorite pro tip: portion it out before storing! I like to divide it into single servings right away. That way, when hunger strikes, I can just grab and go without the temptation to eat “just one more bite” from the big container. Works wonders for portion control!
Want another great meal prep idea? Check out my Quick Broccoli Pasta – it’s another weeknight lifesaver that stores beautifully!
Nutritional Information for Honey Garlic Chicken & Mac Meal Prep
Here’s the lowdown on what you’re getting in each delicious serving of this meal prep masterpiece! I know some folks (like me!) like to keep an eye on their macros, so I’ve broken it down based on careful calculations:
- Calories: 520 – just right for a satisfying meal that won’t leave you hungry an hour later
- Protein: 22g – thanks to that chicken sausage and parmesan cheese
- Carbs: 45g – mostly from the pasta (nothing wrong with fueling your day!)
- Fiber: 3g – every little bit helps!
- Sugar: 6g – mostly natural from the honey and roasted peppers
- Fat: 28g – the good kind that keeps you full and happy (15g unsaturated)
Quick heads up – these numbers are estimates based on my standard ingredients. If you swap anything out or use different brands, your counts might vary slightly. That’s totally normal! The important thing is that you’re fueling your body with a balanced, homemade meal instead of reaching for processed junk.
Common Questions About Honey Garlic Chicken & Mac Meal Prep
Over the years, I’ve gotten so many great questions about this recipe from readers just like you! Here are the answers to the ones that pop up most often – hopefully this helps you tweak the dish just how you like it.
Can I freeze Honey Garlic Chicken & Mac Meal Prep?
Oh, I wish I could say yes, but unfortunately no. That creamy sauce is the heart of this dish, and heavy cream doesn’t freeze well – it separates when thawed. You’ll end up with a grainy texture that’s just not the same. Trust me, I learned this the hard way during my early meal prep days! Stick to storing it in the fridge for 3-4 days instead.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you’re out of heavy cream, half-and-half works in a pinch – your sauce just won’t be quite as rich. Want it lighter? Try evaporated milk. And honestly? Sometimes I even use whole milk with a tablespoon of butter melted in – not perfect, but it’ll do when you’re desperate! Just avoid non-dairy milks unless you’re okay with a thinner sauce.
How can I make this spicier?
Like a little heat with your sweet? You’re my kind of cook! Crank up those red pepper flakes – I’ve gone up to 1 full teaspoon when I’m feeling feisty. Or try adding a pinch of cayenne to the sauce. My restaurant crew used to love when I stirred in some diced jalapeños with the garlic. Whatever you do, taste as you go – you can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away!
Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Chicken & Mac Meal Prep
Now let’s talk about making this meal prep shine at lunchtime! I love pairing my Honey Garlic Chicken & Mac with simple sides that balance out the richness. A crisp green salad is my go-to – the freshness cuts through that creamy sauce perfectly. Or if you’re feeling indulgent (hey, we all have those days), warm garlic bread makes everything better. When reheating for lunch, I always add a splash of water or milk to bring back that silky texture. Pro tip: microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each – it prevents that dreaded “exploded pasta” look! Want another great pairing idea? Try it with my Broccoli Salad for a veggie-packed crunch that complements the creamy mac beautifully.
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken & Mac Meal Prep
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A comforting and practical meal prep combining tender chicken with creamy mac and cheese.
Ingredients
- 8–10 oz penne pasta
- 12 oz jar of roasted red peppers, drained
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 6 oz (1 link) al fresco mild Italian chicken sausage
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (save some for garnish)
- fresh herbs for garnish
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain the jar of roasted red peppers. Blend them into a smooth puree and set aside.
- Slice the chicken sausage into 1/2 inch pieces.
- Finely chop the garlic and set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan. Cook sausage slices for 2-3 minutes, then set aside.
- In the same pan, cook garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes for 1-2 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook another 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth, pasta water, heavy cream, red pepper puree, and parmesan cheese. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Toss the cooked pasta and sausage into the sauce. Garnish with parmesan and fresh herbs.
Notes
- Store in airtight containers for meal prep.
- Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, Chicken Meal Prep, Mac and Cheese Meal Prep, Easy Meal Prep Ideas