Creamy Honey Pepper Mac (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 (16 oz) box spiral noodles
02 -
1 (25 oz) bag breaded chicken strips
03 -
5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
04 -
Salt and Pepper
05 -
Basil
→ Honey Pepper Sauce
06 -
3/4 cup honey
07 -
1/4 cup light brown sugar
08 -
3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
09 -
1/4 cup pineapple juice
10 -
Juice of 1 lemon
11 -
1 tablespoon vinegar
12 -
1 teaspoon black pepper
13 -
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
→ Cheese Sauce
14 -
1 stick butter
15 -
2 cups heavy cream
16 -
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
17 -
1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
18 -
3/4 cup colby jack cheese, freshly shredded
19 -
2-3 cloves minced garlic
20 -
Chopped fresh basil
# Instructions:
01 -
Bake or deep fry chicken strips according to package directions (you can also make your own), set aside.
02 -
Cook pasta according to package directions.
03 -
Mix all Honey Pepper sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to thicken.
04 -
Melt butter and cream together in a large pan. Once melted add cheeses one at a time, stirring after each addition then add garlic and stir until incorporated and everything is melted. Add salt and pepper to taste.
05 -
Add pasta to pan with sauce and stir to combine, add in bacon and stir until incorporated.
06 -
Dip each chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce until coated. Dish up pasta and top with chicken strips, sprinkle with basil and additional bacon if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
Can use homemade or store-bought chicken strips
02 -
Use freshly shredded cheese for best results