Recipe: Spicy Chicken and Bacon Mac

Spicy Chicken and Bacon Mac

Here is a recipe I recently tried and really liked!  It is a mac and cheese dish with protein so all you need is a veggie on the side for a hearty and filling fall meal for your family.  Try it tonight!

1-1/2 cups uncooked cavatappi pasta or elbow macaroni

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup 2% milk

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese

2 cups shredded cooked chicken

6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

1 cup crushed kettle-cooked potato chips or panko bread crumbs

Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente; drain. Preheat broiler.

In a 10-inch cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until blended; cook and stir until lightly browned, 1-2 minutes (do not burn). Gradually whisk in cream, milk, Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; cook and stir until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in cheese until melted. Add pasta, chicken, bacon and jalapeno; cook and stir until heated through. Sprinkle chips over top.

Broil 3-4 inches from heat until chips are browned, about 30 seconds.