Description

This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breast with a luscious cheese sauce laced with honey and freshly ground black pepper. Perfect for a satisfying main course, it features a creamy blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses enveloping al dente elbow macaroni, enhanced by subtle spices and a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz elbow macaroni

Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (more to taste)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
salt to taste

Protein

2 cups cooked and diced chicken breast

Garnish

chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it turns a light golden color, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Prepare the cheese sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens, which will take about 5 to 7 minutes. Lower the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
Season the sauce: Add the honey, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly throughout the sauce.
Combine chicken and pasta: Fold in the cooked and diced chicken breast along with the drained macaroni. Gently stir to coat everything thoroughly with the creamy cheese sauce.
Simmer and serve: Let the combined mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to warm through completely. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh touch.

Notes

You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience and time-saving.
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
This dish reheats well and can be baked with a breadcrumb topping for a golden, crispy crust.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American