SOUTHWEST MAC & CHEESE WITH OPTIONAL CHICKEN

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Southwest Mac & Cheese with Optional Chicken image

A south-of-the-border twist on classic mac and cheese. Black beans, corn, mild green chilies (or hot, depending on your preference), chili powder, and optional chunks of chicken for the meat-eaters join up with an uber-creamy, cheesy pasta topped with a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips. And then baked to perfection.

Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 18

8 oz. 1/2 pound or about 1 3/4 cups macaroni or other medium tubular pasta (like pennette or penne)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon table salt)
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika (plus more for sprinkling on top)
2 1/2 cups milk (I like 2% milk best, but whole works too)
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 4- ounce can mild green chilies
1 15- ounce can black beans (drained and rinsed (or 2 cups cooked black beans))
1/3 cup crushed tortilla chips (about 3/4 cup whole)
1/2 pound boneless (skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced*)
1 pound boneless (skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced*)

Steps:

  • Boil the pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking, and return to the pan you boiled it in. Set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Set out six individual, oven-safe ramekins or gratin dishes for individual servings, two 5"x8" baking dishes if you're cooking up one dish with meat and one without, or an 8"x8"/two-quart baking dish if cooking it all in one big batch.
  • In a medium bowl, toss together the cheddar, monterey jack, and Parmesan cheeses. Set aside.
  • Over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour, salt, dry mustard, chili powder, pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir constantly over medium heat for about three minutes.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk. Continuing over medium heat, whisk frequently for about 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens (as the sauce gets thicker, I recommend going from frequent stirs to constant stirs to help avoid burning).
  • Remove from heat, and stir in 2 cups of the cheese. Continue stirring until cheese is melted, then add the green chilies and corn. Stir until combined. Select your version from the options below to continue.

Rayees Karim
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This recipe was a bit too spicy for me, but my husband loved it. The mac and cheese was creamy and flavorful, and the chicken was tender and juicy. I would recommend using less chili powder if you don't like spicy food.


Deirdre Scott
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I'm not usually a fan of mac and cheese, but this recipe changed my mind. The mac and cheese was so creamy and flavorful, and the chicken was cooked perfectly. I loved the combination of cheeses and the green chiles added a nice kick of flavor. I wil


Kaibanda Sadara
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This was the perfect comfort food for a cold night. The mac and cheese was creamy and flavorful, and the chicken was tender and juicy. I loved the addition of the green chiles and corn, which added a nice kick of flavor. I will definitely be making t


Jocelyn Villalobos
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This recipe is a keeper! The mac and cheese is so creamy and flavorful, and the chicken is cooked perfectly. I love that I can make it ahead of time and it reheats well. I've already made it several times and it's always a hit.


Azeem H
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I made this recipe for a potluck and it was a huge success. Everyone loved it! The mac and cheese was creamy and flavorful, and the chicken was tender and juicy. I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a delicious and easy potl


Teddy Kwagara
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This is my go-to recipe for mac and cheese. It's always a crowd-pleaser and it's so easy to make. I love the combination of cheeses and the green chiles add a nice kick of flavor.


cet sultan
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I've made this recipe several times and it's always a hit. The mac and cheese is creamy and flavorful, and the chicken is always cooked perfectly. I love that I can make it ahead of time and it reheats well.


Sandra M. Lane
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This recipe was easy to follow and the results were delicious. The mac and cheese was creamy and flavorful, and the chicken was tender and juicy. I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a new and exciting mac and cheese dish.


NAYA Naulo
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I loved this recipe! The mac and cheese was so flavorful and the chicken was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.


Giulio Miceli
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This was a great recipe! The mac and cheese was creamy and flavorful, and the chicken was tender and juicy. I would definitely make this again.


Nasra Alpih
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I made this recipe for a party and it was a huge hit. Everyone loved it! The mac and cheese was creamy and flavorful, and the chicken was cooked perfectly. I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone who is looking for a delicious and easy par


m sadheer 88 rajpoot
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I was a little hesitant to try this recipe because I am not a fan of spicy food. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The mac and cheese was not too spicy, and the flavors were very well balanced. I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone wh


Omotosho Mariam
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I made this recipe for my kids and they loved it! They said it was the best mac and cheese they had ever had. I will definitely be making this again.


BM Alex Rafi
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I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out great. The mac and cheese was creamy and flavorful, and the chicken was tender and juicy. I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a delicious and easy weeknight meal.


Kazeem monsuru Akande
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This was the best mac and cheese I have ever had. The green chiles and corn added a nice kick of flavor. I will definitely be making this again and again.


Naeemah Adams
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I made this recipe for a potluck and it was a huge success. Everyone loved it! The combination of cheeses and spices was perfect.


Jordynn Searson
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This Southwest Mac and Cheese was a hit with my family! The flavors were bold and delicious, and the chicken was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.