Description
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish that perfectly blends savory sharp cheddar with tender chicken, subtly sweet honey, and a peppery kick. This easy-to-make stovetop meal offers a delightful balance of flavors, making it a perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
Sauce
- 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
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Protein and Flavoring
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside, ensuring it doesn’t overcook.
- Make the roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a smooth roux, which will help thicken your sauce.
- Add dairy and thicken sauce: Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly. Continue stirring for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
- Incorporate cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and add the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir consistently until all cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Add chicken and seasoning: Stir in the cooked chicken, honey, freshly cracked black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt to your taste. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the cheesy chicken mixture.
- Heat through: Cook everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes on low heat until heated through completely.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley and extra cracked black pepper on top before serving to add freshness and a little extra spice.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, use grilled or blackened chicken instead of plain cooked chicken.
- Add cooked bacon or sautéed onions for a tasty variation.
- This dish can be baked: top with breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
