Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Combining the sweet and spicy flavors of honey pepper chicken with the creamy comfort of mac and cheese, this dish has become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Prepare the Honey Pepper Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix together honey, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
Cook the Pasta:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
Pour the prepared honey pepper sauce over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Gradually add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season with salt to taste.
Combine and Serve:

In a large serving dish, combine the cooked pasta, honey pepper chicken, and cheese sauce.
Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Serve hot and enjoy!
This creamy and flavorful dish brings together the best of both worlds, offering a delightful twist on traditional mac and cheese.