Southwest Mac & Cheese Recipe
Cavatappi pasta with red dragon cheese sauce, roasted chilis, chipotle chicken, herbed bread crumbs & garlic toast
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Cheese Sauce
Chicken
Roasted Chilis
Bread Crumbs
Garlic Toast
Method
Pasta Preparation
- 1
Cook Cavatappi Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cheese Sauce
- 2
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Stir in the red dragon cheese until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
Chicken Preparation
- 3
Prepare Chipotle Chicken
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with chipotle seasoning. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
Combine Ingredients
- 4
Mix Pasta, Chicken, and Chilis
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked cavatappi pasta, chipotle chicken, and roasted green chilis. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Bread Crumb Topping
- 5
Prepare the Bread Crumbs
In a small bowl, mix the herbed bread crumbs with olive oil until well combined. Set aside.
Baking
- 6
Bake the Mac & Cheese
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the herbed bread crumbs evenly on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
