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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight: A Sweet and Savory Twist
Introduction
Get ready to elevate your mac and cheese game with this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight! This dish takes classic comfort food to new heights with tender, honey-glazed chicken spiced with pepper and paprika, all nestled atop a rich, cheesy pasta that’s pure indulgence. The sweet-savory combo is a total game-changer, and I love how it comes together in just 35 minutes—perfect for a cozy night in or a fun family meal. Ready to dig into this creamy, dreamy delight? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this irresistible dish:
12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta – Twisty or classic shapes to hold the sauce.
1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces – Juicy bites of protein.
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded – Sharp, melty goodness.
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – Stretchy, creamy texture.
1 cup heavy cream – The base for a luscious sauce.
1 tablespoon butter – Adds richness to the honey glaze.
2 tablespoons honey – Sweetness to balance the spice.
1 teaspoon black pepper – A bold, warm kick.
1 teaspoon paprika – Smoky flavor and color.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Savory depth for the chicken.
½ teaspoon onion powder – A subtle sweet note.
½ teaspoon salt – Brings out all the flavors.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Nutty finish for the sauce.
1 tablespoon olive oil – For cooking the chicken.
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish) – A fresh, green touch.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re set for a flavor-packed meal!
Prep Time & Cook Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes – Quick chopping and pasta prep.
Cook Time: 20 minutes – Fast cooking and sauce-making.
Total Time: 35 minutes – Comfort food in a flash!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese in a few easy steps:
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni or cavatappi according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Make the Honey Glaze: In the same skillet, melt the butter and stir in the honey. Let it bubble for a minute, then return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sticky, sweet glaze. Set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan over low heat, pour in the heavy cream. Gradually whisk in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth, creating a creamy sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece is coated in that velvety goodness.
Assemble and Serve: Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish. Top with the honey pepper chicken, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately while it’s hot and gooey!
Tips & Tricks
Make this dish even better with these handy pointers:
Pasta Choice: Cavatappi adds fun texture, but elbow macaroni is a classic—use what you love!
Honey Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet-spicy twist.
Cheese Melt: Shred your own cheese for the smoothest sauce—pre-shredded can be grainy.
Chicken Swap: Try chicken thighs for extra juiciness if you prefer darker meat.
Make Ahead: Cook the pasta and chicken ahead, then assemble and bake briefly (15 minutes at 350°F) to reheat and meld flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a star on its own, but these sides make it a meal:
Garlic Bread: Crusty bread to scoop up the creamy sauce.
Green Salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Roasted Veggies: Broccoli or carrots for a colorful, healthy side.
Iced Tea: A cold, sweet tea to complement the honey notes.
Storage & Reheating
Here’s how to enjoy this dish later (it’s great as leftovers!):
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream, stirring gently, for 5-7 minutes. Or microwave in 30-second bursts until hot.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat—the sauce may separate slightly but will recombine.
Nutrition Info
This dish is indulgent and satisfying! Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
Calories: 710 kcal
Protein: 38g – From the chicken and cheese.
Fat: 42g (Saturated Fat: 24g) – From the cream, cheese, and butter.
Carbohydrates: 48g – Mostly from the pasta.
Fiber: 2g – A bit from the pasta.
Sugar: 12g – From the honey and milk.
Sodium: 900mg – Varies with salt and cheese; adjust to taste.
Note: Values are estimates and depend on specific brands or portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is a sweet-and-savory masterpiece that takes comfort food to a whole new level. The juicy, honey-glazed chicken atop that cheesy, creamy pasta is pure bliss—perfect for when you want something cozy yet exciting. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to make your taste buds happy. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out—or if you tweak it your way! Happy cooking!
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