TUSCAN GARLIC CHICKEN MACARONI AND CHEESE?

Tuscan Garlic Chicken Macaroni and Cheese? image

Provided by raymond spencer

Categories Pasta

Time 1h25m

Number Of Ingredients 16

5 skinless,boneless chicken breasts,cut into strips
1 (16 ounce) package macaroni
1/2 c margarine
1/4 c all purpose flour
2 c whole milk
2 c heavy cream
2 c shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 c shredded italian cheese blend
1 c panko bread crumbs
TUSCAN GARLIC SPICE MIX
2 Tbsp dried rosemary
2 Tbsp dried thyme
4 tsp fennel seeds
4 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp dried marjoram
1 tsp dried sage

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Prepare a large skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat.Cook chicken in skillet until no longer pink in the center,5 to 7 minutes;season with Tuscan Garlic Spice Mix,blend together with a fork and transfer to a 9x12 casserole dish.
3. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.Cook macaroni in the boiling water,stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite,8 minutes;drain and mix with chicken in the casserole dish.
4. Melt margarine in a large pot over medium heat.Cook flour in melted margarine until the flour is cooked and the mixture forms a roux,about 5 minutes.
5. Season with Tuscan Garlic Spice Mix.Stream milk and heavy cream into the pot while stirring to mix with the roux completely;cook until just about simmering,about 5 minutes more.
6. Add sharp cheddar and italian blend cheeses in small amounts to the sauce and stir to melt completely before adding the next portion;cook and stir until thick and smooth,2 to 3 minutes.
7. Pour the sauce over the chicken and macaroni;stir to coat.Sprinkle with bread crumbs.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes.