– 2 cups elbow macaroni
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup milk
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Follow these easy steps to prepare your Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight:
1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, and cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add the cream cheese to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir and allow it to melt for about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Honey and Milk: Gradually pour in the milk and honey, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Mix in the Cheese: Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it is fully melted and combined with the sauce.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing until the pasta is well-coated.
7. Season with Pepper: Sprinkle in the black pepper, adjusting to taste, and mix again.
8. Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and transfer to serving dishes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
These steps will guide you through the process of making this incredible dish without any hassle.