Gourmet Mac & Cheese W/ Lots of Variations |
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Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes |
Ready In: 50 Minutes Servings: 6 |
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Tweak the spices to your liking. I like it also without the paprika, but garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary. Also try making it cheesier or adding or substituting cheeses. I've made an excellent one with brie. I've also used canned tuna instead of chicken for a quicker version. I have also experimented with different seasonings and rubs for the chicken or tuna, including celery salt, cayenne, rosemary, cumin, etc. Changing the pasta also greatly changes the flavor as well, in my opinion. Can be made with dried spices but I recommend fresh! To go above and beyond, you can also bake the finished casserole with a breadcrumb or other topping. Ingredients:
36 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts or 36 ounces canned tuna |
2 lbs cooked macaroni or 2 lbs other pastas |
1 quart heavy cream or 1 quart fat-free half-and-half |
6 ounces goat cheese or 6 ounces other cheese |
2 tablespoons olive oil |
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary |
sea salt, to taste |
fresh ground black pepper, to taste |
2 tablespoons hungarian paprika or 2 tablespoons other seasoning |
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Season chicken breasts with paprika (or other spice), salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. (Note: for tuna: saute and bake can add a nice flavor, but skip one or both steps to save time).
4. In a large saute pan, heat olive oil and brown chicken on both sides
5. Bake for 8 to10 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and let cool then dice into large pieces.
7. Heat cream in large saucepan. Add herbs, salt, and pepper. Reduce by half.
8. Add the cooked pasta, cheese and cooked chicken and simmer for 2 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and serve.
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