Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, a comforting dish that surprises with its sweet-spicy flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz Elbow Macaroni
- 1 lb Chicken Breast
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley
Instructions
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cut chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and sauté for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Stir in honey along with the remaining black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Toss the cooked chicken in the honey pepper glaze, ensuring each piece is coated. Remove from heat once combined.
- In a saucepan, bring heavy cream to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, adjusting seasoning with salt to taste.
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the creamy cheese sauce until thoroughly coated.
- Gently fold in the honey pepper chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute elbow macaroni with penne or shells for variety.
- Use crushed red pepper flakes for additional kick.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Consider using light olive oil for a lower-fat option.
- Adjust salt based on cheese and broth used.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food