Description
The ultimate comfort food fusion: creamy mac and cheese meets honey pepper chicken in this indulgent pasta dish. With a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, this recipe creates a memorable dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season diced chicken with salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add honey and remaining black pepper to the chicken, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 2 more minutes until glazed. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until sauce begins to thicken.
- Add all three cheeses, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir until cheese is completely melted and sauce is smooth.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni and honey pepper chicken.
- Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, let the dairy ingredients come to room temperature before using
- Freshly grated cheese works best as it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 820
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 76g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
