Description
Experience the delightful fusion of savory and sweet with our Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese! This comforting dish features tender chicken coated in a luscious honey glaze, nestled within creamy, cheesy pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is not only quick to prepare (ready in just 45 minutes) but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, each bite feels like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences, making it an ideal choice for everyone at your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper; cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes). Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in honey and additional black pepper; simmer until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss with the honey glaze until well-coated.
- In a separate saucepan, bring heavy cream to a gentle simmer over low heat. Gradually whisk in cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses until melted into a smooth sauce; season with salt.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, then gently fold in the honey pepper chicken mixture.
- Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg