Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight. Velvety cheese sauce with a hint of sweetness and a kick of cracked black pepper, combined with tender chicken and al dente macaroni, make this dish a truly satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2–1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if sautéing fresh chicken)
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Simmer until thickened, then stir in cheeses until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Flavor: Mix honey with cracked black pepper and stir into the cheese sauce. Add cooked chicken and pasta, and combine until heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- This dish reheats well and makes a great comfort meal or next-day lunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
