Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Indulge in a bowl of comfort with this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. Tender chicken meets al dente pasta enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce, accented by a hint of sweetness from honey and a peppery kick. Perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or short pasta of choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp pure honey
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cooking for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and let rest.
- Boil salted water in another pot and cook macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add heavy cream and chicken broth; stir in garlic powder and honey until combined.
- Gradually mix in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
- Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss everything together until well-coated with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with black pepper to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg