BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese with Leeks

Name: BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese with Leeks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 (375 g) pkg Catelli Smart® Macaroni; 450 g Armstrong® White Old Cheddar Cheese or Yellow Old Cheddar Cheese, shredded and divided; 1/4 (60 mL) cup Butter, divided; 3 Garlic cloves, minced; 2 (30 mL) tbsp All-purpose flour; 2 1/2 (625 mL) cups 2% milk; 1/2 (2 mL) tsp Salt and pepper, divided; 3 Leeks, sliced (white and light green parts only); 2 (500 mL) cups Cooked chicken, shredded; 1/2 (125 mL) cup Barbecue sauce; 2 (30 mL) tbsp Fresh chives, finely chopped

This smoky and cheesy Mac & Cheese combines the deliciousness of Armstrong^® Cheese with Catelli Smart^® Macaroni for a combination everyone will love.

Family Friendly Healthy Most Popular Short

Three bowls of macaroni and cheese with chicken and leeks on a wooden table, served alongside shredded cheese, barbecue sauce, and fresh herbs

Prep time

10 minutes

Cook time

35 minutes

Servings

6 servings

Catelli Smart Macaroni

Ingredients

6 servings

1 (375 g) pkgCatelli Smart^® Macaroni

450 gArmstrong^® White Old Cheddar Cheese or Yellow Old Cheddar Cheese, shredded and divided

1/4 (60 mL) cupButter, divided

3Garlic cloves, minced

2 (30 mL) tbspAll-purpose flour

2 1/2 (625 mL) cups2% milk

1/2 (2 mL) tspSalt and pepper, divided

3Leeks, sliced (white and light green parts only)

2 (500 mL) cupsCooked chicken, shredded

1/2 (125 mL) cupBarbecue sauce

2 (30 mL) tbspFresh chives, finely chopped

Disclaimer

Individuals with allergies or specific dietary concerns should verify that the ingredients they utilize for the recipes comply with their restrictions.

Method

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain, reserving 1/4 cup (60 mL) boiled pasta water.

Step 2

Meanwhile, melt 2 tbsp (30 mL) butter in large skillet set over medium heat; cook garlic, for about 1 minute or until fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in flour; cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until smooth. Slowly whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer for 8 to 10 minutes or until mixture is slightly thickened. Stir in 1/4 tsp (1 mL) of both salt and pepper. Remove from heat. Stir in half of the cheese until melted.

Step 4

4Meanwhile, melt remaining butter in separate skillet set over medium heat; cook leeks, and remaining salt and pepper for 3 to 5 minutes or until slightly softened.

Step 5

Stir together chicken and barbecue sauce. Stir macaroni into cheese sauce until well coated; fold in chicken mixture and leeks. If sauce is too thick, stir in enough of the reserved boiled pasta water for desired consistency.

Step 6

Transfer to a greased 13- x 9-inch (3.5 L) baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Sprinkle with chives. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Tip

s: • For an easier and quicker preparation, use rotisserie cooked chicken. • Use your favourite barbecue sauce to suit your taste: Try classic style, smoky or spicy.