Tuscan Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large, skinless, boneless chicken breasts, pounded to 1-inch thickness 
  • Salt and pepper, to season
  • ½ tsp. paprika, sweet or smoky
  • ½ tsp. dried parsley
  • 1 tbsp. olive or canola oil, divided
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely diced
  • ⅓ cup white wine or chicken broth
  • One 9-ounce jar sun dried tomato strips in oil, reserve 2 tbsp. of oil and drain the rest
  • 3 level tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 3 cups whole milk, not reduced fat, divided
  • 2 tsp. dried Italian herbs
  • 3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 3 cups baby spinach leaves
  • 1 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Cheddar or Gruyere cheese , grated
  • 2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, dried parsley and 2 teaspoons of the 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, cooked through and no longer pink in the middle.
  • Transfer chicken to a warm plate and tent with foil; set aside.
  • To the same pan, add the butter and fry the onion and garlic until the onion becomes transparent, stirring occasionally; about 2 minutes.
  • Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and allow to simmer for 5 minutes, or until beginning to reduce down.
  • Add the sun dried tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of the sun dried tomato oil from the jar; cook for 1 to 2 minutes to release as much flavor as possible.
  • Stir the flour into the pot and allow to cook for a another minute.
  • Add the broth, 2-1/2 cups of milk, herbs, salt and pepper; reduce heat and bring to a very low simmer.
  • Add the dry macaroni and stir occasionally as it comes to a simmer.
  • Reduce heat to medium low and stir regularly while it cooks; about 9 to 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens and the macaroni is al dente (tender but still firm).
  • Add the spinach and stir through until wilted. 
  • Take the pot off the stove and quickly stir in all of the cheese.
  • Adjust salt and pepper, to taste.
  • If the sauce it too thick, add the remaining 1/2 cup milk, in 1/4 cup increments, until reaching desired thickness.
  • Keep in mind the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. 
  • Slice the chicken into strips and stir through the pasta; pour in any juices left from the chicken.
  • Sprinkle with parsley and stir thoroughly; serve immediately.
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