Description
A delicious and creamy mac and cheese dish featuring tender chicken, honey, and a hint of pepper for a unique flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
- Gradually add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Stir in the honey and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- You can substitute the chicken with cooked ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg