CHICKEN FLORENTINE MAC AND CHEESE

Chicken Florentine Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

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1 pound elbow macaroni
6 tablespoons salted butter
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small cubes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded white Cheddar
1 cup shredded fontina cheese
2 teaspoons cornstarch
8 ounces white processed cheese, such as Velveeta or queso blanco, cubed
3 cups baby spinach
1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat half the butter in a braiser over medium heat. Add the chicken, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, then stir and cook briefly. Add the chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pan as it boils. Add the milk, cream and the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and cook, stirring, until it is warmed through and the sauce is simmering.
Toss together the Cheddar, fontina and cornstarch in a bowl.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese mixture into the pan, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted. Add the processed cheese cubes and allow them to melt. Bring to a simmer and allow the sauce to thicken, about 1 minute. Add the cooked macaroni, the spinach and tomatoes, then stir until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Garnish with the fresh parsley and serve.