Name: Herbed Grilled Chicken Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces macaroni pasta ((half box)); 1 cup diced grilled chicken; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups milk; 1- (6.5-ounce) container garlic and herb spreadable cheese ((like Alouette)); 1/2 cup grated pecorino romano cheese; 1 cup grape tomatoes ((halved)); 1 cup italian flavored breadcrumbs; 4 tablespoons melted butter

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Mac and cheese made with grilled chicken, garlic and herb spreadable cheese and grape tomatoes topped with buttery Italian breadcrumbs.

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Just like most families, my kids LOVE mac and cheese. Of course, they're favorite is the classic Velveeta Shells and Cheese.

However, every now and then I'll experiment with different flavors to mix it up a bit. My personal favorite was the Italian Sausage Macaroni and Cheese, but this Herbed Grilled Chicken Mac and Cheese is a definite close second!

The pasta mixed with a garlicky cheese sauce, grilled chicken and grape tomatoes was super creamy and flavorful. This recipe serves four people and is ready in about 40 minutes.

Equipment

Large Pot (or pasta pot)
Colander
Medium Saucepan
Whisk
2-Quart Oven Safe Baking Dish

Ingredients Needed

For this recipe you'll need the following ingredients:

Pasta: Macaroni is the most popular pasta choice; however, you can use any other small to medium size pasta. Some other suggestions might be shells, gemelli, small penne or bow tie pasta.

Grilled Chicken: During the Summer months I tend to make extra grilled chicken on the weekends to use in other weeknight meals or just to add on top of tossed salad. You can also use any other cooked chicken or even purchase the store bought Rotisserie chicken or grilled refrigerator chicken that is already cooked and sliced.

Butter

All Purpose Flour

Milk: I used whole milk, but you can use 2%, half & half or heavy cream. I haven't tried this recipe with oat or soy milk so I'm not sure if the sauce will set properly.

Garlic and Herb Spreadable Cheese: This cheese adds a rich, creamy garlicky flavor to this mac and cheese. You can usually find it in the refrigerated section where they keep other cheese.

Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese

Grape Tomatoes: I halved the tomatoes so they would be easier to eat with every forkful.

Italian Flavored Breadcrumbs: You can purchase these already seasoned or use regular breadcrumbs and add dried Italian seasoning.

Melted Butter

How do I make Herbed Grilled Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Bring a large pot of water with a dash of salt to a boil over high heat; then add the macaroni. Cook the pasta 8-9 minutes until it cooked, but not overly soft.

The cheese sauce will cook the pasta more in the oven while baking. When the pasta is cooked, drain the pasta in a colander; then add it back to the pot.

While the macaroni is cooking, make the cheese sauce. Add butter to a medium saucepan and melt over medium high heat; then add the flour and stir forming a roux.

Next, add the milk, herb, grated cheeses; then whisk until smooth and creamy (approximately 3-4 minutes). When the sauce is thickened enough to stick to the back of a spoon, add the grilled chicken and halved tomatoes.

Add the sauce to the cooked pasta, mix well; then place in a 2-quart oven safe baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and the melted butter; then spread the mixture on top of the pasta.

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the breadcrumbs are lightly toasted and the cheese is hot and bubbly.

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