Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
A delightful dish that combines creamy pasta, tender chicken, and a unique honey and black pepper glaze, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 2 cups elbow macaroni Cook al dente
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces Use fresh chicken for best results
- 1 tbsp olive oil For cooking chicken
- 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground Adjust to taste
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Can mix with other cheeses
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp butter For sautéing garlic
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Honey Glaze
- 1/4 cup honey Adjust sweetness to taste
- 2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground For the glaze
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and cook until golden brown and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
Cooking
- Stir in the honey and remaining black pepper, allowing to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat with the honey pepper glaze.
- In a separate saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta thoroughly. Fold in the honey pepper chicken from the skillet.
Serving
- Transfer the creamy mac and cheese to a serving dish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy immediately or store for later.
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Notes
This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash more cream to revive the sauce. Adjust the amount of honey based on your preference for sweetness.