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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the rich, creamy goodness of mac and cheese. Now, imagine taking that beloved classic and elevating it with the addition of tender chicken, a hint of sweetness from honey, and a kick of heat from black pepper. Welcome to the world of Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight—a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese delight! Made with tender chicken, elbow macaroni, and a velvety blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella, this dish is elevated with a touch of honey and a kick of freshly cracked black pepper. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, it's quick to prepare and loaded with flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra pop! Enjoy every creamy bite!

Ingredients
  

8 oz elbow macaroni

1 lb chicken breast, cubed

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup honey

1-2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup milk

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and season with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

      Make the Sauce: In the same skillet with the cooked chicken, reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese, honey, black pepper, chicken broth, and milk. Stir until everything is well combined and the cream cheese is melted, creating a smooth sauce.

        Add the Cheeses: Gradually stir in the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and more black pepper if needed.

          Combine: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is coated in the creamy goodness.

            Heat Through: Let the mac and cheese simmer on low for a few minutes to heat through. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash more chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

              Serve: Dish out the creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese into bowls, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4-6