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- 8 oz elbow macaroni - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 2 tablespoons honey - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste) - 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can switch the elbow macaroni for gluten-free or whole wheat pasta if needed. For cheese, try Monterey Jack or Gouda to mix things up. If you prefer a different protein, use tofu or other meats like turkey or pork. These swaps can change the taste and make the dish your own. The key is to keep it fun and tasty while using what you have. Enjoy the cooking process! For the full recipe, check out the details above. First, cook the elbow macaroni. Boil water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Cook the macaroni based on the package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. To get perfect pasta texture, cook it al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Overcooked pasta can ruin your dish. Rinse the pasta briefly under cold water if you want to stop the cooking process. Next, season and cook the chicken. Dice the chicken breast into small pieces. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes. Ensure it is no longer pink. Tender chicken makes the dish better. Now, let's make the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream and cream cheese. Heat the mixture over low heat and stir until smooth. Gradually add the grated cheddar cheese and keep stirring. You want it to be creamy and melted. To balance flavors, stir in honey and black pepper. Adjust the amount based on your taste. This sweet and spicy mix gives the sauce a unique flavor. Finally, mix everything together. Combine the cooked macaroni, chicken, and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Stir well until all ingredients are coated. For an extra touch, you can bake the dish. Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added texture. Broil it for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese delight! You can find the full recipe for more detailed instructions. To get a creamy cheese sauce, use low heat when mixing the heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir slowly. This keeps the sauce smooth. If you rush it, you might end up with lumps. To prevent curdling, never let the sauce boil. Boiling makes it separate. Also, add cheese slowly. This helps it melt evenly. If you find it too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up. For extra flavor, try adding spices like thyme or basil. These herbs uplift the dish. You can also add a dash of cayenne for heat. Just a little will give it a nice kick. When seasoning chicken, use a mix of salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This creates a base flavor. Always taste as you go. Adjust the spices for your liking. Pair this dish with a fresh salad or steamed green beans. These sides balance the richness of the mac and cheese. For special occasions, serve it in a nice baking dish. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. You can even add a bit of extra cheese if you want. It looks great and tastes even better. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide above. {{image_2}} To make Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese vegetarian, swap chicken for veggies. You can use mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. For a vegan option, replace heavy cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives. Use cashew cream and vegan cheese for the same creamy texture. Low-carb fans can try cauliflower instead of elbow macaroni. It gives a similar shape without the carbs. Do you like heat? Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix. These spicy variations give your dish a kick. If you prefer it sweet, adjust the honey. Add more for a sweeter taste or less for a milder flavor. You can play with these profiles to find your perfect balance. Get creative with leftovers! Use last night's roasted chicken or any cooked meat you have. This saves time and reduces waste. You can also incorporate seasonal veggies. Fresh spinach or broccoli can add color and nutrition. Just chop them finely and mix them in. These swaps keep the dish fun and fresh. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps to make this dish your own! To keep your creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. This dish stays good for about 3 to 4 days. Always let it cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it! First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer the mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in a pot over low heat. Stir gently and add a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy. You can also use the microwave. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your meal just like fresh! For the full recipe, check out the details above. You can use gluten-free pasta. Look for brands made from rice or corn. These options cook well and taste great in this dish. Yes, you can prep it ahead. Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately. Make the cheese sauce and combine everything right before serving. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. A light vinaigrette can balance the creamy mac and cheese. Absolutely! Try Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different flavor. Mixing cheeses adds depth to the dish. This recipe serves four. You can double it for larger groups. Just adjust the cooking times as needed. It has a mild heat from black pepper. You can reduce the amount or skip it for less spice. For more heat, add cayenne or jalapeños. This post shared a tasty Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. You learned about key ingredients and helpful substitutions. I showed you steps for cooking pasta and chicken perfectly. You now know how to make a creamy cheese sauce and mix everything together. Remember, there are many ways to change the flavor or texture. Use different cheeses or add extra spices. Enjoy this dish as a fun meal or special treat! Explore your kitchen and make it your own.

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Indulge in a rich and flavorful dish with this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe! It's a delightful combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and a touch of honey for sweetness, all tossed with elbow macaroni. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe is easy to follow and ready in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your comfort food game today!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz elbow macaroni

1 lb chicken breast, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons honey

1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

      Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Remove from heat and set aside.

        In a separate saucepan, combine the heavy cream and cream cheese over low heat, stirring until smooth and combined.

          Gradually add the grated cheddar cheese to the cream mixture, stirring continuously until melted and creamy.

            Stir in honey and black pepper to the cheese sauce, adjusting sweetness and spiciness to your taste.

              Combine the cooked macaroni and chicken into the cheese sauce, mixing until everything is well coated.

                If desired, pour the mixture into a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs for added texture, and place under a broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

                  Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4