Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese
Cost: $
Ingredients
- 2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts, pounded to 1-inch thickness
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 6 clove garlic, finely diced
- 1/3 cup white wine (optional, can substitute chicken broth)
- Jarred sun-dried tomato strips in oil (reserve 2 tablespoons of oil and drain the rest)
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 cup chicken broth
- 3 cup half and half (or milk)
- 2 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 10 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 3 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Cheddar
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, dried parsley, and 2 teaspoons of oil.
- Heat the remaining oil in a large pot or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a warm plate, tent with foil, and set aside.
- In the same pan, add butter and sauté onion and garlic until onion becomes transparent (about 2 minutes). Pour in white wine and simmer for 5 minutes, or until beginning to reduce down.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of reserved oil from the jar and cook for 1-2 minutes to release flavor.
- Stir flour into the pot and cook for a further minute. Then, add broth, 2 1/2 cups of half and half (or milk), herbs, salt, and pepper, and bring to a low simmer.
- Add dry macaroni and stir occasionally as it comes to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir regularly while it cooks (for about 9 - 10 minutes), or until sauce thickens and macaroni is just cooked (al dente).
- Add spinach and stir until wilted.
- Remove pot from heat and quickly stir in all cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, add remaining 1/2 cup half and half (or milk) in 1/4 cup increments until desired thickness is reached.
- Slice chicken into strips and stir through pasta (pour in any juices left from the chicken). Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.