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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese: Creamy Sweet and Spicy Bliss

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines sweet and spicy flavors for a delightful dinner option.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni or shells or penne if preferred
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Chicken Breast cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Cooking Fat
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil or vegetable oil
For Flavoring
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper adjust to taste
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
For the Flavor Boosters
  • 2 tbsp Butter or vegan alternative
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
For Sweetness
  • 1/4 cup Honey or maple syrup for a vegan option
For Garnishing
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Saucepan
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken pieces seasoned with salt and black pepper until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter, add minced garlic, and sauté for about 1 minute. Stir in honey and black pepper; simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat with the glaze, cooking for another minute.
  5. In a separate saucepan, heat heavy cream over low heat. Gradually whisk in cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt.
  6. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, then add the glazed chicken. Stir gently to combine.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 450mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Pair with a green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.

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