Description
Whipping up Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese takes comfort food to another level with tender chicken and a silky smooth sauce that hugs your pasta perfectly. Guaranteed to become a weeknight dinner favorite, this dish brings together bold pepper, sweet honey, and creamy cheese in a simple yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
Pasta and Cheese:
- 2 cups macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook 2 cups macaroni in salted water at a rolling boil for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain completely and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F. Season 1 pound diced chicken breast with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Sauté chicken pieces for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Lower skillet heat to medium-low at 250°F. Pour 1 cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons honey into the pan with the chicken.
- Gradually sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar and 1 cup shredded mozzarella into the cream mixture. Stir continuously until cheese melts completely.
- Fold cooked macaroni into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece gets thoroughly coated.
- Transfer mac and cheese to serving dishes. Grind fresh black pepper on top and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Choosing high-quality cheddar and parmesan makes a big difference in the sauce’s richness and depth of flavor.
- Let the cheese sauce simmer gently to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use grilled chicken breast instead of pan-fried.
- Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and added freshness that brightens the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 690 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg