Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
This comforting dish combines creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and the perfect balance of honey and black pepper for a flavor explosion.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 2 cups elbow macaroni Cooked according to package instructions
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Can use leftover rotisserie chicken
Creamy Sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Can mix with other cheeses for variety
- 1 cup heavy cream Makes the sauce rich and creamy
- 1/4 cup honey Adds sweetness
- 1 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing the chicken
- to taste Salt For seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish Optional
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cooked chicken and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream and honey. Stir until well combined, and let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
- Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and black pepper, allowing it to melt and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Once your sauce is ready, add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and mix thoroughly. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy this delightful meal!
Notes
For added depth of flavor, consider mixing different types of cheese. You can use leftover chicken, and if you enjoy more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.