Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, combining tender chicken with a sweet and peppery cheese sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 3 cups cooked pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the chicken thoroughly in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, then dice into bite-sized pieces. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add the honey and freshly ground black pepper, stirring well to combine the sweet and spicy flavors.
- Step 3: Combine the cooked chicken and pasta with the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated. Serve warm for a creamy, comforting meal.
Tips & Variations
- For a bit of crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes before serving.
- Use smoked cheddar for a deeper flavor or substitute chicken with turkey for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper to your preferred spice level for a mild or more pronounced kick.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta shape you prefer works well. Elbow macaroni, shells, or penne are popular choices for mac and cheese dishes.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. To thicken, add a small amount of flour or cornstarch while heating the sauce.
PrintCreamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender cooked chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich cheese sauce enhanced with a touch of honey and freshly cracked black pepper. This recipe balances the savory cheese with a hint of sweetness and spice, creating a delightful twist on classic mac and cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook chicken and pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken until fully cooked through and slightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare cheese sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, honey, and freshly ground black pepper. Continue stirring until cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the cheese sauce, stirring gently until everything is evenly coated. Heat through for a couple of minutes if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor impact.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Add some cooked vegetables like broccoli or peas for extra nutrition and color.
- Adjust the amount of honey to your taste preference for sweetness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, creamy mac and cheese, chicken pasta recipe, easy dinner, comfort food
