Chicken-Broccoli Mac and Cheese with Bacon

So D made this while I was driving home from work.  Well, he was still driving home, managed to come home, walk the dogs, and go for a run, while I drove home from work.  So I think it was easy.  It was quick to put together, because I had the chicken in the car with me, and only had a to wait a few minutes before it was all ready.

We both really like broccoli, so we both agreed that next time there should be more (and we already had more than it called for).  We also both thought the chicken didn't really add much.  So perhaps even add more broccoli and forget the chicken.

We didn't have a side, so we made it 4 servings.
Would have again.

Chicken-Broccoli Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Photo by ALB

A little bit of turmeric enhances the color here; it's a bit of a trick that makes you perceive the sauce as cheesier than it actually is.

Yield: Serves 6 (serving size: about 1 1/3 cups)
Hands-on:25 Minutes
Total:25 Minutes

Ingredients
6 ounces uncooked large or regular elbow macaroni
3 cups prechopped broccoli florets (used 4 Cups)
3 bacon slices, coarsely chopped
12 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 1/4 cups 1% low-fat milk
1 cup unsalted chicken stock (such as Swanson)
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
5 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/4 cups)

Preparation
1. Preheat broiler to high.

2. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Add broccoli to pan during last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain.

3. While pasta cooks, place bacon in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat; cook 4 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally. Remove bacon from pan with a slotted spoon; reserve 1 1/2 teaspoons drippings in pan. Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add chicken to drippings in pan; cook 4 minutes. Sprinkle with garlic; cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with turmeric; cook 30 seconds, stirring frequently.

4. Combine remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt, milk, stock, and flour, stirring with a whisk. Add milk mixture to pan; bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Cook 2 minutes or until thickened. Add pasta mixture and 2 ounces cheese; toss to coat. Sprinkle with remaining 3 ounces cheese and bacon. Broil 2 minutes or until cheese melts and just begins to brown.

Nutritional Information
Calories: 343; Fat: 12.2g; Saturated fat: 6.5g; Monounsaturated fat: 3.7g; Polyunsaturated fat: 0.9g; Protein: 26g; Carbohydrate: 31g; Fiber: 2g; Cholesterol: 64mg; Iron: 2mg; Sodium: 647mg; Calcium: 265mg

Cooking Light MAY 2014