Need to reward yourself? Here is a truly decadent and very delicious Mac and Cheese!

[cbayer]

Changes I made:
Halved the recipe (it still fed three and will feed two of us again tonight)
Added black forest ham.
No fontina - substituted some Pepper Jack and Parmesan - perfect!
Otherwise, followed the recipe exactly.

Mac and Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli
Bon Appétit | September 2006


yield: Makes 6 servings
To make this dish even more decadent, add cooked chopped pancetta or cooked and crumbled smoked bacon.



1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts
Olive oil (for brushing)
2 heads of broccoli, cut into florets (about 5 cups)

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
4 cups whipping cream
1 cup grated Fontina cheese (about 4 ounces)
1 cup grated cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
1 pound pasta shells, freshly cooked
1/2 bunch fresh chives, chopped

preparation

Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Brush both sides with olive oil. Grill until cooked through, about 6 minutes per side. Dice chicken and set aside. Cook broccoli in medium pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Set aside.
Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually mix in cream. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add both cheeses and stir until sauce is smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add pasta, chicken, and broccoli to sauce; mix well. Garnish with chives and serve.


Read More http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/everydaycooking/weeklydinnerplanners/040611/recipes/food/views/Mac-and-Cheese-with-Chicken-and-Broccoli-235850#ixzz1JMVmDcUR

[lizerdbits]

1. Sounds delicious!

I got some bacon at the Dutch market near me last weekend, maybe I'll use it in this. I usually add milk to the roux, but cream sounds awesome.

[yellerpup]

2. Good!

Sounds like a complete meal. Too bad I can't have cheese/milk, etc. but I do make mac&cheese when I'm expecting children as guests. Nice find! :hi:

[pinto]

3. Sounds good. The base I always have on hand -

pasta, cheeses, broccoli, milk, chives and flour.