Let's kick your standard, homemade Mac + Cheese up a notch or two! I combined our fave appetizer and my daughter's fave dinner and made a spicy version of our Mac + Cheese with added chicken for some protein! I served with a big side of roasted broccoli for a nice little balanced dinner!
I am not one for measurements unfortunately but I will do my best...
Cook pasta according to instructions and set aside. I suggest making as much as you like and just adjusting the quantity of your sauce as needed. I had leftover rotisserie chicken so planned to use that. You can use any cooked chicken chopped into pieces.
I made my roux next for the cheese sauce. I use my frying pan and start by adding a generous dollop of butter and once it's melted I sprinkle a totally random amount of flour (sorry, I told you I'm bad with measuring)! Mix these until it gets thick and then slowly add milk of your choice. Once it starts to warm and boil sprinkle with cheeses of your choice and stir to melt. I usually just use whatever shredded I have on hand. I add seasoning salt and a little garlic powder as well. Keep adding until your taste test comes out the way you like it. Feel free to add more milk if it's too thick.
This is where I added half a brick of cream cheese and I free poured my Frank's hot sauce because we spicy like that. 😉 You can tone it down if you just want a little kick. Mix everything until it's nice and creamy, melty and you're happy with the taste. Then add to the cooked macaroni and mix. This is where I also added in my chopped, cooked chicken and combined it all up nice. Then poured into oven safe dish.
For the topping I used melted butter, added panko, a little garlic powder, oregano and paprika and then mixed. Added this to the top of the Mac + Cheese and baked for about 20-30 mins at 350 degrees. You want the panko to be golden... but don't leave in there too long! No one wants burnt panko....
Make lots. If there is leftovers, its great for lunches or an easy dinner later in the week. Just add a side of veggies and you're set.
Let me know if you try it!!