Description

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful fusion of comfort and flavor that will warm your heart. This dish combines tender chicken, al dente elbow macaroni, and a rich cheese sauce infused with the sweetness of honey and a hint of spice from freshly ground black pepper. Perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings, this indulgent meal is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup pure honey
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes until cooked through. Let cool before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
In boiling salted water, cook elbow macaroni until al dente; drain and set aside.
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then stir in garlic powder and black pepper. Add heavy cream and honey, mixing until heated.
Gradually mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Fold in cooked pasta and sliced chicken until evenly coated.
Serve hot, garnished with additional black pepper if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 550
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider incorporating vegetables like spinach or broccoli into the dish. Adjust the amount of black pepper based on your spice preference. For more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes.