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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

  • Author: Samuel
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten free macaroni pasta)

Description

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic dish. Featuring tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and melted shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) in a luxurious creamy sauce, this recipe brings vibrant Tuscan flavors to your table. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with an easy yet mouthwatering meal that is both rich and colorful.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped

Pasta

  • 2 cups macaroni pasta

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream or creamy plant milk alternative
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh herbs (basil or parsley), chopped, about 2 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a hot pan, melt a small amount of butter and cook the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan. Using the same pan, cook the smoked turkey bacon pieces until slightly crispy to enhance their smoky flavor.
  2. Cook the Macaroni Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the macaroni pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, ready to absorb the creamy sauce.
  3. Create the Creamy Tuscan Sauce: In the same pan, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs, stirring to combine. Pour in the heavy cream or plant milk alternative and the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Combine Cheese and Pasta: Gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) into the sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese melts smoothly into the creamy base. Fold in the cooked chicken, smoked turkey bacon, and the drained macaroni pasta, mixing well to coat everything evenly.
  5. Heat Through and Serve: Let the combined mixture warm on low heat for a few minutes to ensure it is heated through and creamy. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper as desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil or parsley to enhance the freshness and flavor of the dish.
  • Cook macaroni pasta just until al dente to avoid mushy texture when mixed with sauce.
  • Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to develop deep flavors without curdling.
  • Cook smoked turkey bacon until slightly crispy for added texture contrast.
  • Choose high-quality shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) that melts well for best results.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing and stovetop cooking
  • Cuisine: Tuscan / Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese, smoky turkey bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, shredded mozzarella cheese vegetal, plant milk alternative, comfort food, Tuscan flavors, creamy pasta, gluten free mac and cheese

Find it online: https://quicktastykitchen.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-mac-and-cheese/