Description
This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight recipe blends sweet, savory, and spicy flavors into one irresistible comfort food dish. With tender chicken glazed in honey, bold black pepper, and rich cheddar cheese sauce, this mac and cheese is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. A creamy pasta dinner idea with bold flavor and a twist.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 oz cream cheese
2 cups whole milk
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
Instructions
1. Season sliced chicken breast with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a hot skillet with a bit of butter, cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Drizzle with honey and let it caramelize slightly in the pan.
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk while whisking until the mixture thickens. Stir in cream cheese and cheddar until melted and smooth. Add more black pepper to taste.
4. Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Mix until fully coated. Top with honey pepper chicken strips.
5. Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or cracked black pepper.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta to avoid mushy texture.
Add a splash of milk when reheating leftovers for creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx.)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 120mg