Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken with a rich, cheesy sauce, highlighted by the perfect blend of sweet honey and spicy black pepper. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also guarantees a burst of flavor in every bite, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings. With its creamy texture and delightful taste, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese (1 cup sharp cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic.
- Boil salted water in a large pot, add macaroni, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add chicken seasoned with salt and pepper, and cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and honey, stirring until combined.
- Lower heat, gradually mix in shredded cheese until melted and smooth. If too thick, add reserved pasta water.
- Fold cooked macaroni into the sauce until well coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Swap chicken for shrimp or turkey for a different protein. Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.