Description
This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting and family-friendly meal that combines sweet honey, bold pepper, and tender chicken with rich, cheesy pasta. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add honey. Stir until bubbling, then add the cooked chicken and toss to coat. Set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, heat heavy cream over low heat. Gradually whisk in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish. Top with the honey pepper chicken.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated cheeses.
- Cook chicken until just golden to keep it tender.
- Adjust black pepper to taste for desired spiciness.
- This dish is best served immediately while hot and creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking (optional)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 710
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg