Description
A delicious and creamy four-cheese mac and cheese paired with honey pepper chicken, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, cooking until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, blue cheese, and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, mix honey, black pepper, and paprika. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Brush the honey pepper mixture over the chicken during the last minute of cooking.
- Serve the creamy mac and cheese topped with the honey pepper chicken.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg