Queso Chicken Mac and Cheese
30m
Prep Time
3h 40m
Cook Time
8
Servings
Not your average mac and cheese! Packed with Red Gold Diced Tomatoes, vegetables, chicken and just the right amount of spices, this creamy mac is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp garden salad or enjoy with garlic bread to sop up the creamy cheese sauce. @kim.thefoodie @thefeedfeed
Not your average mac and cheese! Packed with Red Gold Diced Tomatoes, vegetables, chicken and just the right amount of spices, this creamy mac is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp garden salad or enjoy with garlic bread to sop up the creamy cheese sauce. @kim.thefoodie @thefeedfeed
Ingredients
COPY INGREDIENTS
ROASTED VEGETABLES
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced1 orange bell pepper, seeded and diced1 medium onion, diced2 tablespoons olive oilSLOW COOKER CHICKEN
1 can Red Gold® Petite Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies 14.5 oz2 pounds chicken breast, cubed1 cup red enchilada sauce3 garlic cloves, minced1 tablespoon onion powder1 tablespoon kosher salt1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepperCHEESE SAUCE
1/4 cup butter2 tablespoons all-purpose flour2 cups milk1 cup half-and-half cream, can be substituted with more milk3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheesekosher salt to tastefreshly ground black pepper to taste1 1/2 pounds small pasta shellsInstructions
ROASTED VEGETABLES
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the diced peppers and onion on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until the vegetables are fully coated. Roast for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through the cooking time.
SLOW COOKER CHICKEN
- Add the roasted vegetables, along with all the other slow cooker chicken ingredients, to a 7 or 8-quarter slow cooker. Stir to combine and cook on high for 2-3 hours.
CHEESE SAUCE
- In a large saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring frequently until it turns light golden brown. Gradually pour in the milk and half-and-half, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Reduce the heat to low, add the sharp cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
PASTA
- Cook the shell pasta for half the amount of time indicated on the package. Add the cheese sauce and partially cooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and continue to cook on high for 20 minutes or until the shells are al dente. Serve hot.
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